Getting ready to start school
Helping a child feel ready for starting school is about much more than academic skills. The strongest foundations are independence, confidence, communication, emotional readiness and positive attitudes towards learning.
Here are some practical ways parents can support their child:
Build independence and self-care skills
Children feel more confident when they can manage everyday tasks.
Practise:
- Putting on and taking off their coat
- Managing zips, buttons and shoes
- Using the toilet independently and washing hands
- Opening lunchboxes and water bottles
- Tidying away toys and belongings
- Carrying their own bag
Small responsibilities at home help children feel capable and proud.
Develop communication and listening
Being able to communicate needs and listen to others supports friendships and learning.
Encourage your child to:
- Talk about their day
- Ask questions
- Explain what they are thinking
- Listen to stories and join in conversations
- Follow simple instructions (e.g. “Please put your book away and bring your shoes”)
Reading together every day is one of the best ways to build vocabulary, imagination and confidence.
Support emotional readiness
Starting school is a big change. Children benefit from learning how to recognise and manage feelings.
Talk about:
- “How are you feeling?”
- “What could help when you feel worried?”
- “Who could you ask for help?”
Practise:
- Taking turns
- Sharing
- Waiting
- Solving small problems
- Using words instead of actions when upset
Books are a wonderful way to explore emotions and situations.
Encourage social skills
School involves being part of a busy community.
Help your child practise:
- Joining in games
- Making friends
- Listening to others
- Taking turns
- Being kind and caring
- Understanding that everyone is learning
Simple play opportunities with other children can help build confidence.
Develop early literacy and maths naturally
Children do not need to be “taught” everything before Reception, but everyday experiences build strong foundations.
Literacy:
- Share stories
- Sing songs and nursery rhymes
- Talk about pictures
- Encourage drawing, mark-making and pretend writing
- Recognise their name
Maths:
- Count objects
- Sing counting songs
- Sort toys
- Notice shapes
- Compare sizes and amounts
- Talk about time and routines
Establish routines
A predictable routine helps children feel secure.
Before starting school, practise:
- Regular bedtime and wake-up times
- Getting dressed in the morning
- Eating breakfast
- Following a simple morning routine
Encourage curiosity and resilience
The most valuable skill a child can bring to Reception is a willingness to have a go.
Encourage:
- “What could we try?”
- “Let’s have another go.”
- “Mistakes help us learn.”
Praise effort, perseverance and kindness.
Talk positively about school
Help your child develop excitement and confidence by talking about:
- Making new friends
- Exploring new activities
- Meeting their teacher
- Learning new things
Avoid building pressure around what they “should” already know — children start school with different experiences and strengths.