While your child won’ t be expected to be able to read, write or do sums, there 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 guidelines at startingreception. co. uk to help you and your child prepare for this exciting change

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 cutlery( e. g. fork and spoon, chopsticks) and drinking from an open cup

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

Scan this QR code if your child struggles to go to the toilet independently. Our Toilet Training guidance can help

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

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’) 16 PARENTKIND. ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2025