Your child's journey to school starts at home
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.
If your child is already at nursery, in pre-school, or with a childminder, those professionals will work with you and your child to help get them ready.
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.
Help your child get ready for Reception
Your child will have lots of new activities and routines to get used to when they start school. There are some things they'll need to do more independently than they might have before.
Research shows that a child's relationship with their parents is the most important factor in their development, and there's a lot you can do at home. When your child is at home with you or another caregiver, you can practise as a family with fun activities.
Some of these skills take time to master, so it's good to introduce them gradually in your daily routine.
If your child has additional needs
If your child needs additional support to settle into Reception, make sure you share as much information as possible with their new teacher. They can work with you to find strategies to support your child.
Summer born children, or those speaking English as an additional language (EAL) may need more support.
If you know or suspect your child has special educational needs (SEND), developmental differences or delays, some of these skills may not be achievable for them at this point.
Early intervention makes a big difference - ask your child's nursery, school, health visitor, local children's centre or Family Hub for help. Who can I speak to for help? All children will need help from their trusted adults so they can feel confident and excited about starting Reception. Your childminder/nursery/pre-school team or your health visitor, children's centre or family hub can help if you need more information.
Getting help and support
All children will need help from their trusted adults so they can feel confident and excited about starting Reception.
If you need more information, speak to your:
- childminder
- nursery
- pre-school team
- health visitor
- Family hub
More resources
We've also put together a list of organisations and resources to help you and your child get ready together. These can be accessed online at startingreception.co.uk.