Preparing your child for Reception
Starting school is an exciting new chapter for your child. While every child develops at their own pace, there are key skills that help them feel confident and independent on their first day. Research shows that your relationship with your child is the most important factor in their development, and there is a lot you can do at home to help them prepare.
Key Skills to Practise at Home
You can introduce these skills gradually into your daily routine through fun family activities:
-
Growing Independence: Practise putting on and taking off coats and shoes. Encourage your child to use the toilet, wash their hands, and get dressed with little help.
-
Mealtimes: Help them practise using cutlery (like a fork and spoon) and drinking from an open cup.
-
Communication: Sing nursery rhymes together and encourage them to speak clearly when they need help. Help them learn to recognise the pattern of their own name so they can find their coat peg.
-
Social Skills: Practise sharing and taking turns with toys. Talk about feelings by looking at storybooks together and discussing what characters might be feeling.
-
Listening: Help your child practise paying attention for short periods and following simple instructions.
-
Physical Play: Aim for at least three hours of movement a day, including running, jumping, climbing, and catching a large ball.
Healthy Routines
Building consistent habits now will make the transition to school life much smoother:
-
Sleep: Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time that fits the school schedule.
-
Screen Time: Limit daily screen time to recommended amounts.
-
Healthy Eating: Encourage a balanced diet and trying new foods.
-
Dental Care: Supervise teeth brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Support for Additional Needs
If your child has additional needs, developmental delays, or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), some of these milestones may take longer to reach.
-
Early Intervention: Speaking to a health visitor or nursery team early can make a big difference.
-
Share Information: If your child needs extra support to settle in, please share as much information as possible with their new teacher. This includes what motivates them, potential triggers, and strategies that work well at home.
-
Collaboration: We will work closely with you to find the best ways to support your child’s unique journey.
For more information and resources to help you and your child get ready together, please visit startingreception.co.uk.
Resources to help you with this
Starting big School: Bexley Big Bear Programme Leaflet