Starting school: a gentle readiness guide
A flexible, practical guide to starting school: familiar routines, asking for help, everyday independence and working with your child’s setting.
Read the guide ↗Ideas to try together
School & familiar routines
Preparing for a new setting includes ordinary things: knowing who to ask for help, recognising a familiar bag and talking about what happens next. Start with your school’s practical information and choose one routine that would help your household. Keep room for your child’s feelings and questions.
Before you begin
Is school readiness a list of academic skills?
This collection does not score children or set entry standards. Ask your child’s setting about its expectations and support. Our guide focuses on useful conversations, familiar routines and working with the adults who will welcome your child.
Can we adapt a visual timetable?
Yes. Select only the cards you need and change their order. A now-and-next board can show two immediate steps without committing the whole day to a fixed sequence.
Where can I ask about individual support?
Speak with the school or early-years setting about your child’s circumstances. General printables cannot assess a child or decide what support they need.