16/04/2026
Hands up - who was checking their emails at midnight? 🙋🏼♀️
Starting school is a big milestone - and while it’s tempting to focus on reading, writing and counting the biggest difference-maker is independence and confidence 💛
As former Early Years teachers, we’ve supported hundreds of children through this transition, and these are the skills that truly help children settle, thrive, and feel secure in their first term.
Here are our top tips for getting school
ready:
🍴 Use cutlery
Being able to eat independently helps children feel confident at lunchtime and reduces overwhelm.
🧼 Personal hygiene
Using the toilet, wiping, flushing, washing hands, and even blowing their own nose all help children feel more comfortable and independent throughout the day.
🏷️ Recognise their name
This helps with self-registration, finding belongings, and feeling a sense of belonging. No need to be writing it yet!
🗣️ Practise helpful phrases
Simple scripts like “Can I have a turn next?” or “Please can you help me?” support social confidence.
📖 Share a story every day
This builds language, attention, and a love of learning - far more important than early reading skills.
🧥 Dress & undress independently
Coats, jumpers, PE kits - these moments happen daily, and independence really matters. This includes being able to put their own coat and shoes on - no one wants to be the last one out to play because they’re still working out their coat! 🙈 (oh and for the sake of your child’s teacher’s sanity, please only buy them lace up shoes if they can do their own laces! 😂)
🎒 Tidy up when finished
Learning to put things away helps children take responsibility for their environment and follow classroom routines.
💛 Lots of positive talk about school
Get them involved in choosing their bag, water bottle etc. Build the excitement! BBC iplayer have some great episodes where characters are starting school. We can also recommend some lovely books! Drop a 📚 in the comments and we’ll send you some!
Save this to come back to over the summer 🌿
