Getting Ready for School

Transition:
Starting Reception is an important step for both children and their families. Through carefully planned transition activities, visits, and strong communication, we help every child settle quickly, build positive relationships, and begin their Reception year with confidence.


School readiness: 
We believe that school readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. It is about developing the confidence, independence, resilience, and social skills that enable children to thrive in our school environment. We work closely with families to support every child in becoming curious, capable learners who are ready to engage with new experiences, build positive relationships, and embrace the opportunities that school life brings.


Ways to Help Your Child Be School Ready
There are lots of simple things you can do at home to help your child feel confident, independent, and ready to learn. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and practising little and often can make a big difference.


Encourage Independence


Help your child to:

  • Put on and take off their coat and shoes.
  • Use the toilet independently and wash their hands.
  • Get dressed with minimal help.
  • Use a knife, fork or spoon and drink from an open cup.
  • Spend short periods of time with trusted adults away from home.

Talk, read and listen together:

  • Read stories every day and talk about the characters.
  • Sing songs and nursery rhymes.
  • Encourage conversations about everyday experiences.
  • Follow simple instructions and practise listening carefully.
  • Help your child recognise their own name.

Develop social and emotional skills

Support your child to:

  • Share and take turns.
  • Talk about their feelings.
  • Recognise how others may be feeling.
  • Build friendships through play.
  • Keep trying when something feels challenging.

Learn Through Play

Children learn best through play. Encourage:

  • Imaginative and role play.
  • Drawing, painting, colouring and craft activities.
  • Exploring nature and the world around them.
  • Looking closely, asking questions and being curious.

Stay Active and Healthy
Help your child by:

  • Being physically active every day.
  • Running, climbing, jumping and playing outdoors.
  • Completing simple puzzles and cutting activities to strengthen fine motor skills.
  • Following a regular bedtime routine.
  • Eating a balanced diet and trying new foods.
  • Brushing their teeth twice a day with adult supervision.


Working together, we can give every child the best possible start to their school journey.