Planning for school

Starting school is an important milestone for your child and your family.

As your child moves from toddler to preschool age, you'll start to think about how to prepare them for this next step.

Getting ready for school is about more than learning skills. It's about helping your child feel confident, supported and ready for new experiences. 

Why preparing for school matters

Planning ahead helps your child to:

• feel confident in new environments
• build independence and self-help skills
• develop social and communication skills
• feel safe and secure during transitions

These early experiences help children settle more easily and feel ready to learn.

How you can support your child

You don't need to do anything complicated. Simple, everyday experiences help build school readiness.

Support independence

• encourage your child to try dressing, feeding and using the toilet
• give them time to practise new skills
• offer help and encouragement when needed

Build routines

• keep consistent times for meals, sleep and activities
• practise simple routines like getting ready in the morning
• talk about what will happen during the day

Encourage communication and play

• spend time talking, reading and playing together
• help your child share, take turns and express feelings
• give opportunities to play with other children

Prepare for change

• talk about starting school in a simple and positive way
• visit the school if possible
• allow time for questions and reassurance 

Support for children with SEND

If your child has special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), or you think they might need extra support, help is available.

You can:

• talk to your health visitor, nursery or early years setting
• ask about the support available before your child starts school
• explore services and advice through Oxfordshire's SEND Local Offer

Support can be planned early to help your child feel safe and confident in their new setting.

Find out more about the support available - understanding if my child has SEND.

Trust your instincts – you know your child best

You may want to speak to someone if:

• you're concerned about your child's development or readiness for school
• your child finds change or new environments difficult
• you feel they may need extra support

You don't need to wait. Speak to your health visitor or GP if you have any questions.

Resources and support

• Preparing for school
• Reception applications
• Infant and primary school applications
• Best Start in Life – Preparing for school (parent hub)Supporting a smooth transition into Reception (DfE guidance)
• NHS Best Start in Life – parent hub
• NHS early learning and development (including starting school)
• Starting reception