Can you believe your child will be starting school in September? We know that it can feel like a big step for both you and your child. And while it can feel scary, it is also very exciting.
These webpages will give you some ideas of how you can have fun and learn together so you can help build your child’s independence in preparation for starting school.
Children get the most out of school when they attend regularly, and we want them to have the best experience possible so they can build a good routine.
What you can do to help prepare your child for their first day at school
To help your child get ready for the next exciting step, there are a few things which could be helpful that will make it easier for them to settle into school.
Recognise their own name
To help them get started in school, it will help if your child can recognise their name when it is written down. This will help them find their coat peg or drawer more easily on their first day. There’s nothing more exciting to your child finding their own things in their classroom.
There are lots of things you can do to help them. The National Literacy Trust has some ideas on their website here.
Putting their own coat on
Making sure they can put on their coat without help will make them feel more confident and allow them to make the most out of playtime.
Top tip – make sure your child’s coat, cardigan and jumpers have their names on the label so they don’t get picked up by someone else!
Why not check online for some useful hacks to help your little one master this big skill in a fun way!
Building a routine
Having a routine makes starting school easier. You may already have built a routine around bedtime, but there are other times in the day that are important, such as getting up in the morning and lunch time.
Get some ideas on how to build a routine below:
- Explore Learning - 8 tips for getting children back into a school routine
- Parent Kind - The ultimate guide to before and after-school routines for children
- BBC – Parents’ Toolkit
- Tiny Happy People - Morning Jobs
- Sing along with The Toothbrush song from Hey Duggee - CBeebies
- Bedtime Routines - The Sleep Charity
- CBeebies Parenting: Bedtime routines
Going to the toilet on their own
Being able to go to the toilet on their own is an essential skill for children starting school as it helps build their confidence.
When they start at school, the teacher will tell them where the toilets are and if they need to ask before they go. It would help if you encourage your child to talk to the teacher when they need to use the toilet, explaining that it’s just like asking any other family member for help.
You can also help your child get used to washing their hands after using the toilet by practicing at home.
Accidents do happen, especially when there are other exciting things going on around them, but helping your child know what they need to do can help them thrive in the classroom. Pack a few extra clothes for them just in case!
Here are some resources to help:
- Kids Planet – Toilet training for school readiness
- ERIC Children’s Bladder and Bowel Charity – Toilets and school readiness
- Potty Training - When to potty train, how to start potty training, potty training regression and bedwetting - BBC Tiny Happy People
Looking after yourself
Starting school can also be a very stressful time for parents and carers and, if you don’t have a large support network, it can feel isolating. There are few things to keep in mind and for you to try.
Look out for how the school communicates with parents and carers. This could be through social media or a WhatsApp type group. This is a perfect way to talk to other parents and carers before the first day.
There may be opportunities for local groups where you can meet any other parents and carers going through the same thing.
Remember that teachers and school staff are here to support you and it’s helpful for you and your child to develop a partnership with your school.
Family Hubs are also here to help. You can access groups and activities for you and your child to meet new people, or find out more using the link below.
