Starting Reception
A big part of nearly every child’s life is making the jump from nursery-based childcare and/or a childminder to school, and this can be a daunting experience for you and your child. There are some crucial skills that your child will need to have before starting school so that their transition is smooth, and that’s were this information comes in!
Many of the skills your child will need to have are things you and nursery can work together to complete, such as improving their independence! Every day is an opportunity to prepare your child for their future in school but it doesn’t all have to be learnt at once. Take gradual steps everyday and with nursery’s collaboration, your child will be school ready in no time.
Please scroll down to see the skills BEFORE using the buttons.
What skills does my child need to have?
Independent
Can put on and take off their own coat and shoes.
Can get dressed with a little help (eg. after using toilet).
Can use the toilet and wash their hands.
No longer uses nappies unless they have a EHCP
Can use cutlery (knives, fork, spoons) and drink from an open cup.
Being with their peers
Can practice sharing and taking turns with toys.
Talks to their peers about their emotions and why.
Begins to recognise what other people are feeling (eg. understanding if a friend is sad).
Encouraging them to set boundaries for themselves and others (eg. knowing how to say “no”)
Healthy routines
Goes to bed at the same time every night.
Wakes up in time to get ready for school.
Has and follows screen time rules suitable for their age.
Has a healthy diet and is willing to try new foods.
Brushes their teeth twice a day with toothpaste.
Communication Skills
Talks to their peers about their life, experiences and events going on around them
Sings along to songs and nursery rhymes
Can communicate they need help with something
Recognises the pattern of their name, both in spelling and through signs/verbally
Can pay attention for short periods of time
Can listen and follow basic instructions
Physical Skills
Can walk up and down steps, one step at a time.
Can run, jump, climb and play.
Can catch a large ball (most of the time).
Can do simple puzzles and craft activities, such as gluing and cutting with scissors.
Explores the world around them
Takes part in imaginative play (eg. role play)
Can do arts and crafts like drawing, painting, sticking, gluing, etc.
Can do counting, building and simple puzzles.
Shows interest in the world around them, like recognising numbers, shapes, objects, etc.
What if my child has additional needs?
If your child has or is suspected to have special educational needs (SEND), development delays or differences, some of the skills listed above may not be achievable in time. Some children may need more support as they are summer born, or perhaps have English as an additional language (otherwise known as EAL).
If your child needs more support in their transition from nursery to school, make sure to share as much information as you can with your child’s new teacher! They will be able to provide additional resources, create strategies to get your child settled in and can work directly with the nursery so they know more about your child, and what they can do to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Resources for families with additional needs:
There are many organisations who can support you with information and strategies to prepare you, your child and their educational setting, ensuring a smooth transition and setting them up for future success. These include:
I’m concerned about the child’s readiness, what can I do?
If you are worried about your child’s progress, you can always speak to their key person in your child’s classroom. You can contact them via ClassDojo or come in to see them when you drop off and/or collect your child from nursery. They will be able to help “tick off” the skills listed above or help you get started on creating these skills!
If your child has developmental delays or SEND, you can always speak to our SEND Team for advice and support. Please see our “Contact Us” page for the SEND Team’s direct email address. We advise that you inform us of your concerns as soon as possible so we are able to give you all the best support we can.
