Be School Ready
Welcome to one of the most exciting (and nerve-racking) parts of your parenting journey! We know there’s lots to do and remember in the lead up to their first day. That’s why our guide and online hub have all the information and advice your family needs during this exciting time. From emotional prep to playful learning activities at home, we’ve got tonnes of tips to get those bright young minds buzzing. Plus, we’re sharing scrumptious snack ideas to satisfy their appetites and savvy ways to save money as you prepare.
Be School Ready guide for parents
Read our Be School Ready guide
How to talk to your child on their first day of school
Check out our blog, written with the help of Louisa Rose, CEO of youth mental health charity Beyond, which offers practical advice on how best to support your child as they start their new school, and what to do should any issues arise.
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Preparing your child to start primary school is one of the most exciting (and nerve-racking) parts of the parenting journey, and sharing these experiences with other parents while you’re going through it can make such a difference to your wellbeing. You may be focused on your little one making friends, but don’t forget your own social life too! -
Every child is different. Some come home from the first day of school chattering about the dozen new best friends they’ve made, and others can take a little while to warm up to their classmates. But if you’re concerned about how your child will cope, there are lots of things you can do to grow their confidence before school starts.
Webinars for navigating parenthood
Image: Young children sitting outside together
From fussy eating to building independence, our expert-led Navigating Parenthood webinars can help with any challenges you may face in your parenting journey as your child starts school.
What financial support can parents get?
Image: Young boy in a homemade cardboard plane
Juggling home and school life is tough for every parent, but there are some financial support options available. Find out what you could be entitled to.
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What I wish I knew…
We asked parents what they wish they knew before their little one started school — and now we’re sharing these insider tips with you to help you prepare! Check out what they said below.
The building blocks of learning
Image: A primary school-age child building with giant dice in a classroom
Practice makes perfect
Check out this video to see some key skills that can give your child a head start in the classroom! Teaching your little one a few practical self-care skills before school starts can make a big difference. Remember, it’s perfectly okay if they haven’t mastered all of these skills—each child is unique! But even learning just one or two of these before September can free up more time for teachers to focus on your child’s learning.
Snack and meal planner
We know it can be tricky to keep track of how much your child eats at school, especially when every family member has their own busy schedule. To help you out, we’ve teamed up with the fabulous Jenny Tschiesche, also known as the Lunchbox Doctor, and created a fun snack and meal bingo! This guide offers great ideas and advice on what to stock up on and prepare during those exciting first few weeks of school to make meal planning a breeze and keep those little tummies happy!
Who’s who at school
Image: A father and mother with a primary school-age child, talking to a teach in a classroom
Having clear and open communication with the school not only benefits your child, but it’ll make your life easier too. Asking questions, getting contact information and building relationships with staff are all things you can do before your child’s first day.
Here’s some of the people you may come across.
SEND support hub
Image: A primary school-age boy smiling, looking up at a woman
Navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming for parents and carers. This page is designed to provide you with useful information, practical advice and resources to support your child’s educational journey.
Meet other parents on our Facebook group
Is your child starting reception in 2025? Join the Be School Ready Facebook group to chat with and learn from other parents with children starting school this September.
Toilet training toolkit
Image: A young boy running
Toilet training is an important milestone in your child’s development, but it can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re just starting the journey or looking for ways to support your child through it, you’re not alone!
Be School Ready content directly in your inbox
We have a range of fun and educational resources planned for our Be School Ready campaign. If you’d like to be emailed once new content is shared, you can sign up below to have it delivered straight to your inbox.
