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Starting Reception Class

Your child’s journey to school starts at home

All children develop at their own pace, and when it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others. There’s a lot you can do at home to build your child’s confidence and independence.

Nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders will work with you and your child to help get them ready.

Your child will have lots of new activities and routines to get used to when they start school and there are some things they’ll need to do more independently than they might have before.

Some of these skills take time to master, so it’s good to introduce them gradually as part of your daily routine.

Things to practise before starting reception class

Washing, dressing and eating

  • Putting on/taking off coats and shoes
  • Using the toilet and washing hands
  • Getting dressed after using the toilet or doing PE
  • Using cutlery (e.g. fork and spoon) and drinking from a cup

Play, creativity and curiosity

  • Taking part in imaginative play (e.g. role play)
  • Drawing, painting, colouring and sticking
  • Counting, building and doing puzzles
  • Sharing story books with caregivers, looking at pictures and talking about the characters

Building relationships and communicating

  • Practising sharing and taking turns with toys
  • Discussing feelings. Looking at story books together and speaking about what characters are feeling is a good way to do this
  • Beginning to recognise what others are feeling e.g. understanding if a friend is sad
  • Spending time away from you, learning they can be looked after by other caring adults

Communication and language

  • Singing along with songs and nursery rhymes
  • Talking happily to others about activities, experiences and the world around them
  • Asking for help by speaking clearly
  • Recognising their name so they can find it on their coat peg

Listening and engaging

  • Paying attention for short periods of time
  • Listening to and following simple instructions
  • Carrying on with a task even when it’s difficult and having another go if things go wrong

Physical development

  • Moving for at least three hours a day
  • Walking up and down steps
  • Climbing, running, jumping and playing
  • Catching a large ball

Healthy routines

  • Going to bed around the same time each night, waking up in time to get ready for school
  • Having limited screen time (to the recommended daily amounts)
  • Eating a healthy diet and trying new foods
  • Brushing teeth twice a day (with your help)

What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s development?

  • If you’re worried about your child’s progress, talk to your health visitor, childminder/nursery/pre-school team, local children’s centre or Family Hub.
  • Summer born children, or those speaking English as an additional language (EAL) may need more support.
  • If your child needs additional support to settle into reception class, make sure you share as much information as possible with their new teacher. They can work with you to find ways to support your child.