Starting School: What Your Child Really Needs (And What They Don’t!)

Before their child starts school, parents often worry or ask things like:

“Does it matter that they haven't been to nursery full time.”

“They can’t write their name yet! What should I do?”

“They don't know all of the letter sounds. Is this a problem?”

But those things are not prerequisites for starting school. All of these things will happen when your child is ready, probably within their first year at school.

Starting School Is a Big Milestone

Starting school is a major milestone in your child’s life (and yours too), it's normal to feel a whole mixture of emotions. In this blog I'll be sharing my top tips to make the transition to school easier.

Be Enthusiastic About School 🏫

Talk to them about:

• What their school is called

• Their teacher’s name

• What will happen while they’re there

  
  

You could even practise the school run to help everything feel familiar.

Playing pretend and acting out the school day can help them understand what’s coming.

Encourage Independence with Dressing 👕

Teach them how to get themselves dressed and undressed. Practise with:

• Their uniform

• Coat

• PE kit

• Shoes (including wellies)

Ps. Buy velcro shoes - it’s much easier for everyone! And make sure you label EVERYTHING with their name.

Make sure you label each item of your child's uniform - including socks, gloves and shoes.

Help Them Recognise Their Name (Surname too if they have a more common first name) 📝

This will help them:

• Find their peg or drawer

• Identify their belongings

They’ll be writing their name before you know it!

Recognising their name will help them to find their things more easily.

A few questions to ask before they start school

Can they communicate their needs? 👂🏼

Do they have the language to:

• Ask an adult for help

• Explain what they need

Model this at home with phrases like “Please may you open my yoghurt for me?”

Socialisation is a huge part of starting school. Talk to your child and ask/answer questions so they learn how conversations work.

Can they go to the toilet independently including, wiping themselves and washing their hands? (Properly I mean, with soap, not just a quick splash)  👋🏼

The first term is one of the worst for new germs, so make sure they know:

• How to wipe properly

• When to wash their hands

• How to wash their hands thoroughly

Practise these skills with your child so they can do them independently when you're not there.

Can they feed themselves? 🍴

This includes:

• Opening packets

• Using cutlery

If they're having a packed lunch, only pack what they can manage in the time given. They’ll have less help than at home - and more people to chat to!

Lunchtime is a busy part of the day at school - try not to overload their lunchbox.

Can they blow their nose? 👃🏼

Children learn this at different stages, but it’ll definitely save your washing if they can use a tissue instead of their sleeve!

Save your washing by teaching them how to blow their nose.

But starting school isn't all about skills…

Starting school is not just about life skills or even the academic side. The emotional side matters too. Talking, reading and role play can really help prepare your child.

Three of my favourite books:

1️⃣ Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

2️⃣ The Colour Monster Goes To School by Anna Llenas

3️⃣ Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright

Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better so every stage feels a little easier.

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