Preparing for school - best start in life

The government has rolled out practical advice for families starting school, in order to prepare and enable the children to have the best start. The following information are snippets from the website Preparing for school - Best start in life and Information from the governament website. Click on the links to find their full accounts. 

Preparing for school

Starting school is an exciting milestone – for your child and for you. Find out how everyday moments at home can help your child feel confident and prepared, whatever stage they’re at.

Is your child starting school soon?

Starting school is a big step. You may be worried that they’re not ready, but when it comes to preparing for school, you’re probably already doing more than you think.

Simple, everyday moments like chatting, playing, reading together and encouraging independence all help build the skills that help them to feel confident. It’s not about ticking off a list – it’s about small steps that add up over time.

Whether your child is starting school this September or in the years ahead, you can start to practise these skills together now. Building these habits early supports their development and helps them settle into school with confidence.

What does preparing for school mean?

Preparing for school – sometimes called school readiness – isn’t about knowing the alphabet or being able to count to ten. It’s about your child building the confidence, skills and habits that will help them to feel like they belong, make friends and get the most out of their learning opportunities.

The Starting Reception website has a wealth of information and advice to support parents to help their children prepare for school. This includes hints and tips that will help with:

• Communication – skills that will help them communicate their needs and experiences, in whatever way works for them, and being able to listen and follow simple instructions.
• Independence – skills to help children take care of themselves, like using the toilet, with a little help where needed.
• Social and emotional skills – beginning to understand their own feelings and those of others, and to play and share with other children.
• Physical development – developing strength and skills through activity such as running, climbing, jumping, crawling or moving parts of their body. This could be with support for children with limited mobility.
• Healthy routines – Building healthy routines that will help children stay healthy, such as limiting screen time to an hour a day or less for 2 to 5 year olds, brushing teeth twice a day and going to bed around the same time each night.

Screen time guidance for under 5s

Juggling family life and raising children in a digital world can be challenging. Find out more about how to support healthy screen habits for children under 5. 

How much screen time should my child have?

Limit total screen time for young children, wherever possible.

• Under 2 years: Avoid screen time other than for shared activities with family that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
• 2-5 years: Try to keep it to 1 hour a day. Less if possible.

Other links to further information can be found at: 

Home page for Starting Reception https://startingreception.co.uk/ 

Skills for starting school - advice for parents https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/topics/cr4rez0de6vt?method=BSIL

NHS Early learning and development https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/early-learning-development/ 

The Potty Training Guide https://startingreception.co.uk/potty-training/ 

The Children's Toothbrushing Guide https://startingreception.co.uk/toothbrushing/

Also see the main class page tabs, and the links for families tab.