Skills to practice before starting Reception

Growing independence

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
Two boys at school

Play, creativity and curiosity

  • taking part in imaginative play (e.g. role play)
  • drawing, painting, colouring and sticking
  • sharing story books, looking at pictures and talking about the characters
  • exploring the world around them (e.g. looking closely at the natural world, playing safely with objects at home

Online information and guidance

Growing independence

Taking care of themselves

Toilet training

Playing, creativity and curiosity