As your child’s pre-school year goes by, the phrase “school ready” starts to come up more and more. It’s natural to wonder whether your little one should already be reading, writing their name or counting to 20 before they start Reception.
The good news is that being school ready is much less about academic skills than many parents think. It’s about your child feeling confident, independent and curious, and having the social and emotional skills to settle into a new environment. In this article, we explain what school readiness really means, how we prepare children at Kiddiwinks and how you can help at home.
What “school ready” really means
Reception teachers often say they’d rather welcome a child who can put on their own coat and ask for help than one who can recite the alphabet. School readiness is about having the foundations in place to learn, make friends and enjoy school.
Personal, social and emotional skills
- Separating from parents and settling with new adults
- Taking turns, sharing and playing with other children
- Expressing feelings and needs with words, and asking for help
- Coping with small frustrations and changes in routine
- Following simple instructions and joining in group activities
Independence and self-care
- Using the toilet independently, including wiping and flushing
- Washing and drying hands
- Putting on and taking off a coat and shoes, ideally with Velcro fastenings
- Eating lunch independently, including opening packets and using cutlery
- Recognising and looking after their own belongings
Communication and language
- Listening to and enjoying stories
- Talking in sentences and being understood by others
- Answering simple questions and asking their own
Physical development
- Running, climbing, balancing and moving with confidence
- Using pencils, crayons, scissors and paintbrushes, with fine motor skills developing
A love of learning
Curiosity, enthusiasm and the confidence to have a go matter more than any specific academic skill. Recognising their name, counting a few objects or making marks with a pencil is a lovely bonus. Children will learn to read, write and count properly in Reception.
How we prepare children at Kiddiwinks
Preparing children for school isn’t something we leave until the last few months. It runs through everything we do, guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In the year before school, we give extra focus to:
- Building independence. We encourage children to manage their own coats, shoes, toileting and lunchtimes, with lots of praise for trying.
- Group times and routines. Short carpet sessions, tidy-up times and lining up help children get used to the structure of a school day.
- Early literacy and maths through play. Stories, rhymes, sound games, mark-making, counting and shape hunts build a strong foundation without pressure.
- Emotional confidence. We talk about feelings, practise problem-solving with friends and celebrate each child’s achievements.
- Talking about school. Through role play with uniforms, book bags and lunchboxes, plus books about starting school, children become familiar with what’s ahead.
- Working with schools. Where possible, we share information with your child’s new teacher, and we welcome teachers who come to visit, so they know your child before day one.
How you can help at home
Small, everyday moments are the best preparation:
- Practise self-care skills. Let your child have a go at dressing, putting on shoes and opening lunchbox items, even when it takes longer.
- Read together every day. Talk about the pictures, ask what might happen next and enjoy stories about starting school.
- Chat, chat, chat. Mealtimes, car journeys and walks are perfect for conversation. Ask open questions, such as “What was the best part of your day?”
- Play games that involve turn-taking. Simple board games teach patience, sharing and coping with losing.
- Visit the school. Walk or drive past, play in the playground if allowed and go to any taster sessions.
- Talk positively about school. Share your excitement, and keep any worries of your own out of earshot.
- Get into a school-day routine. In the weeks before term starts, gradually shift bedtimes and mornings to match the school day.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to read and write before starting Reception? No. Reception teachers don’t expect children to read or write when they arrive, as that’s what Reception is for. Enjoying books, recognising their name and having a go at mark-making are helpful, but confidence and independence matter far more.
When do I apply for a Reception place? In England, you apply through your local council in the year before your child starts school. Applications open in September and close on 15 January, with offers sent out on 16 April, or the next working day if that falls on a weekend or bank holiday. You must apply even if the school is linked to your child’s nursery.
When does my child start school? Most children start Reception full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. However, children don’t have to be in full-time education until they reach compulsory school age, which is the term after their fifth birthday.
My child is summer-born. Can they start later? Yes. You can ask for your child to start part-time, partway through the year or in the September after they turn 5. If they start the September after turning 5, they’ll usually go into Year 1. You can ask for them to start in Reception instead, but the school or council doesn’t have to agree. Either way, you still need to apply on time.
My child isn’t toilet trained yet. Will this be a problem? Schools are used to children being at different stages. Let the school know early so they can plan support. We’ll also work with you to encourage independence in the months before school starts.
How will Kiddiwinks share information with my child’s new school? We share key information about your child’s development, interests and any extra support they need with their new teacher. This helps make the move as smooth as possible.
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About the author
Claire Fox-Tristram is the Director of Kiddiwinks Day Nursery and has more than 25 years of experience in the early years sector. Throughout her career, she has supported hundreds of families through every stage of their child’s early years, from settling in as babies to getting ready for school. Claire is passionate about giving every child a happy, nurturing start and helping parents feel confident and well informed.
