Preparing your child for starting school

Starting school is a significant milestone for both children and their parents, carers, and guardians. While it is an exciting time filled with new opportunities and experiences, it can also bring feelings of uncertainty and apprehension. With encouragement, preparation, and a positive approach, most children settle happily and confidently into school life.

Our experienced early years professionals have supported many children through this important transition. To help families prepare, we have developed a range of practical factsheets containing engaging activities and ideas that introduce key skills children will encounter in Reception, including listening, communication, early mark-making, and number awareness. These resources can be accessed via the links in the menu on the right-hand side of this page. We hope they provide valuable support as you and your child begin this exciting journey together.

Encouraging Independence

One of the most important ways to prepare your child for school is to help them develop confidence and independence with everyday tasks. These include:

Using the Toilet Independently

Encourage your child to use the toilet confidently without assistance. While it can be tempting to help, developing these skills independently will support their confidence and readiness for school.

Dressing Themselves

Practise putting on and taking off clothing independently. Where possible, choose clothing and footwear with simple fastenings and give your child opportunities to practise changing into their PE kit at home.

Putting on Shoes

Shoes with Velcro fastenings are often easier for young children to manage independently than lace-up shoes. Regular practice will help build confidence.

Eating Independently

Children should be encouraged to use a knife and fork, open their lunchbox, and manage food containers and drink cartons independently. Practising these skills at home can make lunchtime at school a more positive experience.

Solving Simple Problems

Help your child develop resilience by encouraging them to talk about difficulties when they arise and to think of possible solutions. It is equally important for children to learn when they should seek support from an adult.

Building Excitement and Confidence

Talking positively about school can help ease any worries and build anticipation for the new experiences ahead. You may find the following helpful:

Visit the School

Schools typically offer induction visits, allowing children to meet their new teacher and spend time in their classroom before starting. If you are unable to attend an induction session, consider arranging a visit or tour. Walking or driving past the school and seeing children arriving or leaving can also help familiarise your child with the school environment.

Talk About the Positive Aspects of School

Discuss the enjoyable opportunities school will provide, such as making new friends, playing, learning, participating in creative activities, and exploring new interests. If your child has attended a settling-in session, talk about the activities or resources they particularly enjoyed. Older siblings can also play a valuable role by sharing positive experiences and helping to reassure younger children. Most importantly, give your child opportunities to ask questions and express any concerns they may have.

Practise the School Routine

Introducing elements of the school routine before the first day can help children feel more comfortable and prepared. Consider completing a practice journey to school and establishing school-time bedtimes and morning routines several days in advance.

A Final Reassurance

Above all, try not to worry. Children begin school with a wide range of experiences, skills, and abilities. Your child does not need to be able to read, write, or complete mathematical calculations before starting school. Reception teachers are highly skilled at supporting children to learn and progress from their individual starting points.

The most valuable preparation you can provide is time spent together enjoying everyday experiences: sharing stories, singing songs, playing games, exploring the world around you, and having conversations about anything and everything. These simple interactions help develop the confidence, curiosity, communication skills, and love of learning that will support your child throughout their educational journey.

We look forward to welcoming your child and working in partnership with you to ensure a happy and successful start to school life.