School Readiness for Reception
Starting full time school (Reception class) is an exciting time and marks a big milestone in children's lives.
For some children, Reception will be their first time being away from their parents/carers whereas others have been to play groups, nurseries and other early years settings. There are many things that can be done at home to prepare children for this step and include skills such as being able to put on and take off a coat, use a toilet independently and feed without help. Being competent in skills such as these will make starting full time school far less daunting for your child. You may hear skills such as these being called 'school readiness'.
What Does “School Ready” Mean?
A school-ready child is one who is developing the skills needed to access learning, build relationships and feel secure in a school environment.
Children do not need to be able to read, write or count before starting Reception.
Instead, we focus on supporting children to become:
- Confident learners- ready to learn
- Independent explorers
- Kind friends
- Resilient problem-solvers
- Confident to ask for help
- Independent going to the toilet and putting on a coat.
Best Start in Life Campaign
Across England, schools and early years organisations are working together through the Best Start in Life campaign to help families understand what school readiness really means.
The campaign is supported by former teacher and children’s rapper MC Grammar, who created a fun song called Steps for School to help families understand the most important skills children need before starting Reception.
🎵 Watch: MC Grammar Steps for School Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfSNhFiVgT8&list=RDyfSNhFiVgT8&start_radio=1
Is your child ''school ready'' for reception?
Please read these documents to know what you can do to prepare your child for school.
The Children's Toothbrushing Guide
For more information on how to support your child to be ready for reception please visit the website below:
The 'Best Start in Life' website contains lots of useful information and resources about child development, including school readiness' and the importance of education in Early Years.
The NHS link to the 'NHS Early Learning and Development' website contains wider ranging information as well as information relating to school readiness including learning to talk and use language and general childhood health related issues.
NHS Early Learning and Development