Skip to main content

Helping my child get ready for starting school

Starting school is a key transition in a child’s life and we need help to support our children to be confident and look forward to starting school.

Transitions can be difficult for many children and it is important to be aware that some are more vulnerable than others. Creating a smooth transition into school is vital to ensure your child gets the best possible start in their new setting.

We want to help to support you and your child through this time and make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Children often pick up on how their parents are feeling.

These resources are designed to support you with ideas, reduce any anxieties and feel confident that you have shared all the information that you wanted, to help the school begin to get to know the individual needs of your child.

Remember, your child is unique and their starting points may be different to other children.

Personal, social and emotional development, alongside communication and language, are a key focus to support your child’s confidence and wellbeing as they prepare to start school.

Transition is not just an experience for the individual child but for everyone around the child. Your child’s confidence, security and happiness are the priority.

For further advice and resources see the drop-down sections below.

Starting school resources and advice 

Here are some ideas for you to help your child be ready for school:

  • Encourage your child to be independent. For example hand washing, getting dressed and at mealtimes.

  • Encourage them to be curious about the world around them.

  • Share stories with your child every day and encourage them to talk about their favourite parts.

  • Play games together to help them be active and physical every day.

  • Sing number songs and rhyming songs together.

  • Help your child to understand how others might feel.

  • Help them to join in conversations by listening to them and asking for their ideas.

  • Encourage them to use language to express what they need or how they feel.

  • Model listening and following simple instructions in day to day things.

  • Help your child to understand what is special about them.

 

Here are some things you can do to help your child get ready for starting school:

  • Embed regular routines such as bed times and meal times

  • Talk to them about what they eat and how it keeps them healthy

  • Talk to the school to find out what they expect from your child when they start

  • Encourage them to talk about new experiences or information

  • Keep in touch with their friends that they will start school with

  • Take them to the library and encourage them to talk about things you read together 

  • Point out letters and numbers around them

  • Talk to them about how others might feel

  • Praise them when they talk about how they are feeling

  • Play games with them to keep them physically active

  • Listen to their questions and help them answer them

Be prepared for starting school

  • Talk about starting school with your child to find out what they feel

  • Look at the school's website or social media accounts together to spark conversation about things that happen in school

  • Visit the school premises with your child

  • Talk to your child about the different people they will meet and different routines

  • Talk about any induction routines and things that might be new in school like assemblies

  • Play games and read books about starting school

  • Practise getting ready for school by trying on the uniform

  • Talk about new routines involved in getting to school and any after school clubs

  • Label your child's belongings

Starting school

  • Create a calm excitement around starting school

  • Talk to the teacher about what is unique about your child

  • Create opportunities for your child to share their experiences of their day without too many questions

  • Act on any concerns swiftly to minimise the impact of adversity and maximise support available

What is important?

You may want to write down what is important to you and your child as they start school.

Here are some useful resources with supporting information:

Books

The Colour Monster Goes to School

By Anna Ilenas

From music lessons, to lunchtime, to making new friends, the Colour Monster's first day of school is filled with exciting new adventures.

I Am Too Absolutely Small For School (Charlie and Lola)

By Lauren Child

Starting school is the focus of this story with Charlie as the older brother helping Lola with her feelings about starting school

Mae's First Day of School

By Kate Berube

This picture book acknowledges the anxiety that children might have about starting school, but reassures them that they’re not the only one with such worries.

Starting school

By Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This book reassures children who are about to start school for the very first time. The colourful pictures and large, simple text make Starting School a great book to share.

Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School

By Ian Whybrow

Harry's not so sure he's going to like school, but the dinosaurs come to the rescue. The book shows just how much fun school can really be.

Topsy and Tim Start School

By Jean and Gareth Adamson

This is for children who are just about to start school. Children will learn what to expect in lessons, in the playground - even in the dinner hall - and, more importantly, that school can be fun.

Websites

Getting ready to start school - some more ways you can give your child help and encouragement to help them be ready for school.

NHS, Separation anxiety - NHS website - Anxiety in children

Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) - PACEY website - Being school ready

BBC Bitesize and CBeebies have some activities, games and top tips around starting school.

The NHS Better Health Start for Life website provides lots of simple tips and activities that you can slot into your routine and that children love.