Being school ready
We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we’re all learning from birth. When it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others.
There are key skills that schools expect children to be learning before their first day. Practising these will make your child’s journey to Reception as positive as possible.
There’s lots you can do at home to build your child’s confidence and independence, helping them feel emotionally and practically prepared to start school.
Skills to practise before starting school
Taking care of themselves
- Putting on/taking off their coat and shoes
- Using the toilet and washing their hands
- Getting dressed with little help, e.g. after using the toilet or doing PE
- Using cutlery (e.g. fork and spoon, chopsticks) and drinking from an open cup
- Spending time away from you, learning they can be looked after by caring adults
Play, creativity and curiosity
- Taking part in imaginative play (e.g. role play)
- Drawing, painting, colouring and sticking
- Sharing story books with caregivers, looking at pictures and talking about the characters
- Exploring the world around them (e.g. looking closely at the natural world or playing safely with objects at home)
More information
There is lots more information on the Starting Reception website.
starting reception support for parents and carers.pdf
