Be School Ready
Everything you need to know to get ready, set, school!
Read our Be School Ready guide
Play and learn at home before school starts
These printable downloads are bursting with fun, hands-on activities that spark curiosity, build confidence and get your little one excited for school.
Building blocks for a happy start
Children laughing together.
A happy first day at school comes from everyday skills, not tests or homework. From getting dressed on their own to sharing toys and following simple instructions, these building blocks help children feel confident, capable and ready to enjoy all the new adventures school brings.
Simple steps to get school-ready
Children holding hands, running down a school corridor.
Starting school is a big milestone, for your child and for you! It can seem overwhelming at times, but following the building blocks and incorporating these three simple steps into your daily routine will help your little one feel confident, curious and ready to shine.
Build independence
Little everyday wins make a huge difference. Encourage your child to:
- Put on their coat, shoes and school uniform by themselves
- Open lunchboxes and carry their own bag
- Use the toilet independently
Remember! Not all children will be able to do these things independently as soon as they start, and their teacher will set them as milestones for the whole class throughout the reception year
Talk about school
Talking to your child about school eases nerves and sparks excitement. Try:
- Reading books about starting school
- Visiting the playground or classroom if possible
- Asking what your child is looking forward to each day
Make it exciting
Help your child connect learning with play. Ideas include:
- Fun morning routines to practice getting ready
- Creative games about making friends or learning letters/numbers
- Celebrating milestones — first full day in uniform, first packed lunch
Did you know? Play and praise go a long way toward building confidence.
Watch and learn
Want to see these steps in action? Our practice makes perfect video shows simple ways to help your child get school-ready at home – without stress, tears or tantrums. Teaching your little one a few practical self-care skills before school starts can make a big difference.
Watch our Practice Makes Perfect video
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.
More resources to help you navigate school
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Getting to know the people your child will meet every day helps them feel safe and confident. Learn about teachers, teaching assistants, lunch staff and other key helpers so you can introduce your child ahead of the first day — and know who to contact if you need support.
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Confused by school jargon? From ‘phonics’ to ‘foundation stage’, this handy guide explains the words and phrases you’ll hear so you can support your child with confidence.
Worried about the first day?
A carer helping a child with their shoe.
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves, and your child probably is too!
The good news? You can help make their first day (and first few weeks) much smoother and more enjoyable.
Worried about your child making friends when they start primary school?
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.
If they feel nervous
Talk about school positively and focus on the fun parts – making friends, playing games or storytime. Keep routines calm and predictable so your child knows what to expect. Little rituals, like a special goodbye or a morning song, can be comforting and boost confidence.
If they struggle to make friends
Friendships often take time to grow. Reception is full of shared play and group activities, so your child will have plenty of chances to connect. Encourage role play games at home or small playdates before school starts. These can help them feel more comfortable with new faces.
If separation is difficult
Short, confident goodbyes work best. Try a consistent routine, like a hug, a wave or a cheerful, “See you later,” and then step away. Children often settle quickly once they know you’ll be back, and this teaches them independence and confidence.
Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel nervous and that it’s part of starting something new. Celebrate the little wins: putting on their uniform, trying a new activity, smiling at a new friend or using the toilet on their own at school.
How to talk to your child on the first day of school
Louisa Rose, CEO of youth mental health charity Beyond, shares expert tips on separation anxiety, making friends, and first-day nerves in our Parentkind blog – so you can support your child and help them start school happy, confident and ready to shine.
Your school starter timeline
A group of children laughing together.
Starting school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! Think of it as a simple step-by-step journey. Here’s a timeline to guide you and your child from the summer term through the first week of school.
Summer term – Get set
- Attend school welcome sessions – Meet teachers, explore classrooms and ask questions
- Practise everyday independence skills – Getting dressed, putting on shoes, using the toilet and managing their own backpack
Summer holidays – Explore and prepare
- Visit the playground or school grounds – Familiar spaces help reduce first-day nerves
- Practice lunchboxes and morning routines – Pack lunches together, practice opening lunchboxes and water bottles and try early wake-up routines
First week of school – Settle and shine
- Expect tiredness and big emotions – A new environment is exciting but tiring
- Keep routines calm and consistent – Consistent bedtimes, morning routines and after-school wind-downs help children feel secure
Navigating Parenthood webinars
A group of children running and laughing together.
From nurturing your child’s health and wellbeing to supporting their success at every stage of school, our expert-led Navigating Parenthood webinars have guided hundreds of families through the ups and downs of parenting. Join us and continue the journey with confidence!
NEW for 2026: Be School Ready: Expert answers for parents of primary starters
Starting school is a big milestone – for children and parents alike. In this expert-led discussion, we’ll explore how to support your little one through this exciting transition. From handling first-day nerves and encouraging new friendships, to building key readiness skills, establishing positive routines, managing emotions and challenges, supporting early learning and preparing for your first parent evening – we’ll share practical advice and answer your questions. We’re delighted to be joined by an outstanding panel of specialists:
- Dr Kathy Weston, Founder of Tooled Up Education and a leading national expert on parenting
- Jennifer Wyman, Founder of Bridge the Gap, Early Years Practitioner and Emotional Literacy Specialist
- Sarah Anyan, Community Engagement Executive at Parentkind, former reception teacher and school leader
Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or simply have lots of questions, this session will give you the confidence, insight and practical tools to help your child thrive as they begin their primary school journey. Please note that this panel discussion is part of our Be School Ready campaign and will be recorded. Participants will be muted and won’t feature in the recording.
Date: 02/06/2026
Time: 12.30 — 1.30pm
Location: Zoom (online)
Experts: Dr Kathy Weston, Jennifer Wyman and Sarah Anyan
Suitable for: Early years, primary
Extra support for parents
A woman and a child high-fiving.
These resources will help you feel confident, organised and ready for the big day. Click to explore advice and activities designed to make your child’s first school year as smooth and happy as possible.
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Find out what support your family might be entitled to – from uniforms and meals to grants and benefits -
SEND support hub
15 August 2025Our SEND support hub is designed to provide you with useful information, practical advice and resources to support your child’s educational journey. -
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! -
Starting school is easier when you have a support network. Connect with other families, swap tips, and share experiences. -
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!
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.
Stay in the loop
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