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Getting ready for school

Helping your child feel confident, independent and ready for Reception

Starting school is a big step for your child and for you. It is normal for children to feel excited, worried or a mixture of both.

There are lots of simple things you can do at home to help your child feel more confident and ready for this new experience.

Being school ready is not about your child being able to read, write or do everything by themselves. It is about helping them develop the everyday skills they will use at school, such as communicating, making choices, managing feelings, trying new things and becoming more independent.

Every child is different and children develop at their own pace. Focus on small steps and celebrate what your child can do.

Help your child become more independent

Reception is a new environment where children will be encouraged to do things for themselves. You can help by giving your child plenty of chances to practice everyday tasks, new skills take time to learn and being giving the chance to practice will help your child be ready for starting school.

Some things you can encourage your child to do:

• Put on and take off their coat.
• Have a go at putting on their shoes.
• Pull clothes up and down when using the toilet.
• Wash and dry their hands.
• Use a tissue and wipe their nose.
• Open their lunch box and food packets.
• Drink from their water bottle.
• Tidy away toys and belongings.
• Carry their own bag.
• Ask an adult for help when they need it.

Give them time to have a go. It can be tempting to do things for your child when you are in a hurry, but giving them extra time to practice helps build confidence.

Read the Best Start in Life preparing for school

Take a look at Starting school ~ a month by month guide

Toilet training

Is your child aged 3–5 and still learning to use the toilet? These resources can help you support your child to build their toilet and self-help skills, so they feel more confident and ready for starting school.

The Best Start in Life toilet training guide has practical advice to help children aged 3–5 develop the skills they need to become more independent with toileting.

Five simple toilet training steps

Find advice about getting started with potty training, dealing with accidents and helping your child become confident using the toilet, Read Potty training your toddler here.