Starting school? Help your child to get ready for Reception

Starting school is a big milestone for children and families alike. But what does it mean to be “school ready”? It’s not about knowing the alphabet or being able to read or write — it’s about helping your child feel confident, independent, and curious as they begin their school journey.

Our preschool practitioners are working with your children here to help them get ready for school but there are some ways you can help at home to support your child as well:

Independence Skills

• Being able to dress and undress themselves is one of the key skills schools like. Can your child put on their coat, shoes, and manage the toilet independently?

• Being able to use the toilet independently - understanding when they need to go, being able to take themselves, wipe themselves and dress themselves

What you can do to help:

• Encourage them to practice dressing, especially their socks, using zips/buttons, and washing hands properly.

• Practice the toilet routine together, including practicing wiping. Ensure they understand the importance of hand washing.

  
  

Communication & Social Skills

• Encourage and support your child in expressing their needs clearly.

• Help them learn to take turns, share, and listen to others — all great skills for making friends.

• Listening to and following simple instructions

• Recognising their name so they can find it on their coat peg or clothes.

What you can do to help:

• Play games at home where they have to copy what you're doing

• Begin to ask them to do simple things such as 'hang your bag up/ put your shoes away'

• Use questions such as 'are you thirsty' 'are you tired' to encourage them to think about and express their needs and feelings

  
  

Play & Curiosity

• Open-ended play is vital! Through play, children build confidence, imagination, and problem-solving skills.

• Explore the world around them - notice numbers, patterns and shapes whilst looking closely at the natural world

What you can do to help:

• Reading together, drawing, singing songs and exploring nature all count as school readiness!

• Ask them questions as they play such as 'what do you notice' 'what's going to happen next'

  
  

Understanding Routines

• We have daily routines here to help your child start to get used to a more structured day.

• Talk with your child about what a school day might look like: lining up, lunchtime, playtime.

• Practising a consistent morning and bedtime routine can make the transition smoother.

  
  

Early Learning Confidence

• No need to “teach” school subjects — focus instead on fostering curiosity and a love of learning.

• Activities like counting stairs, spotting letters on signs, or helping bake can all build early skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

Remember: every child develops at their own pace, and “readiness” looks different for each one. What matters most is helping your child feel safe, happy, and excited about this new chapter.

If you want to find out more about school readiness visit: startingreception.co.uk where you'll find more hints and tips to help support your child with this transition.