The building blocks of learning

While your child won’t be expected to be able to read, write or do sums before they start reception, these are some learning milestones that will help your little one get off to a great start at school. You can read more on KindredSquared’s Starting Reception guide at startingreception.co.uk

Growing independence

Taking care of themselves

Putting on/taking off their coat and shoes

Using the toilet and washing their hands

Getting dressed with little help, e.g. after using the toilet or doing PE

Using a fork/spoon and drinking from an open cup

Spending time away from you, learning they can be looked after by caring adults

If your child struggles to go to the toilet independently, our Toilet Training toolkit can point you in the right direction.

Learn more

Play, creativity and curiosity

Taking part in imaginative play (e.g. role play)

Drawing, painting, colouring and sticking

Sharing story books, looking at pictures and talking about characters

Exploring the world around them (e.g. looking closely at the natural world, playing safely with objects at home)

Building relationships and communicating

Image Primary school-age children on a playground

At school, your child will be meeting lots of new people and making new friendships. Some things to help them get ready include:

Being with others

Practising sharing and taking turns with toys

Talking to them about how they are feeling and why. 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

Encouraging them to set boundaries for themselves and others (e.g. knowing how to say ‘no’)

Communication and language

Singing along with songs and nursery rhymes

Talking happily to others about activities, experiences and the world around them

Showing they need help by speaking clearly (in basic English or sign language)

Recognising the pattern of their name (so they can find it on their coat peg or jacket)

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 bouncing back if things go wrong

Physical development

Getting moving for three hours a day

Walking up and down steps (one foot at a time, using the wall for support)

Climbing, running, jumping and playing

Catching a large ball (most of the time)

Doing simple puzzles and craft activities, strengthening their grip with cutting and sticking

Healthy routines

Going to bed around the same time each night, waking up in time to get ready for school

Limiting screen time to the recommended daily amounts

Eating a healthy diet and trying new foods

Brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (you’ll need to supervise this until they’re at least seven)

What should I do if I am worried about my child’s development?

If you’re worried about your child’s progress, talk to your nursery team, health visitor or local children’s centre

If your child has developmental delays or suspected or confirmed SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability), speak to their nursery or childminder well before they start reception

You can work with your child’s early years setting to help your child with self-care, managing emotions, social skills and communication in a way that suits their stage of development

You might want to share details with the above people about their development, needs, what motivates them, what might trigger difficulties, how they learn best and what strategies work well

Make sure you share important information with everyone supporting your child, including their new reception teacher

Remember! Every child is different and progresses at different rates. The teacher will be expecting this and a lot of the items on these checklists will be set as goals for the whole class. If you suspect your child might have SEND, you can read more on how the building blocks of learning might look for them in our SEND support hub.