Be School Ready: Expert answers for parents of primary starters

While starting school is an exciting time, it’s also completely normal to have questions about everything from friendships and routines to independence and managing first-day nerves. Our panel of experts shared practical advice and reassurance for families preparing for this important transition. 

Joining us on the panel was Dr Kathy Weston, Founder of Tooled Up Education and a leading national expert on parenting, Jennifer Wyman, an Early Years Practitioner and Emotional Literacy Specialist and Founder of Bridge the Gap, and Sarah Anyan, Parent School Coordinator at Parentkind, former reception teacher and school leader. 

One of the strongest messages from the discussion was that school readiness isn’t about children arriving already able to read, write or complete schoolwork. Instead, it’s about helping children feel confident, capable and supported as they begin a new chapter. 

The panel highlighted the importance of building independence through everyday activities. Simple tasks such as putting on a coat, washing hands, opening a water bottle, using cutlery and helping with small jobs around the home can all help children feel more confident when they start Reception. As Dr. Weston explained, children love feeling capable and these experiences help build self-esteem long before September arrives. 

Another key theme was managing emotions. Starting school can bring a mixture of excitement, uncertainty and worry. Parents were encouraged to listen to children’s concerns without feeling pressure to immediately fix them. Giving children space to express their feelings, validating their emotions and spending quality one-to-one time together can make a real difference. 

The panel also discussed social confidence and friendships. While some children will eagerly jump into new situations, others may prefer to observe before joining in. Parents were reminded that every child approaches friendships differently and comparisons with other children are rarely helpful. Play remains one of the most powerful ways for children to develop communication skills, confidence and relationships. 

For families of children with additional or emerging needs, experts stressed the importance of speaking with schools as early as possible. You can also speak to your child’s nursery for insight into their behaviour outside of your home. Sharing information about a child’s strengths, interests and challenges helps schools put the right support in place from the start and build strong partnerships with families. 

Practical routines were another focus. Consistent morning and after-school routines can help reduce stress for the whole family. Visual timetables, preparing uniform the night before and allowing time for children to decompress after school were all recommended as simple ways to support a smoother transition. 

Missed the webinar? You can still benefit from the full discussion by watching the recording, where our expert panel answers common questions and shares even more practical tips to help children start school with confidence. 

Perhaps the most reassuring takeaway came in the closing reflections. Starting school is a journey for the whole family and it’s okay if there are tears, wobbles or difficult moments along the way. What matters most is working together. Parents, teachers and schools all play a vital role in helping children thrive and this partnership creates the foundation for a happy and successful start to school life. 

In next week’s blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions parents asked during the panel discussion, from managing separation anxiety and building independence to helping children feel confident and ready for their first days at school.