Get Ready For School With COLTALE

Starting Reception can be an exciting time and is a key milestone in a child's development.

It can also be worrying and leave parents feeling anxious about whether they are ready or not. All children develop at their own pace, so when it’s time to start school, some children will need more help than others. If your child is already at nursery or pre-school, those professionals will work with you and your child to help get them ready.

There are key skills that schools expect children to be learning before their first day. Practising these will make your child’s journey to Reception as positive as possible. You will find helpful transition cards you can download at the bottom of this page. If you would like a printed copy, contact us at EEYService@cityoflondon.gov.uk

There’s lots you can do at home to build your child’s confidence and independence, helping them feel emotionally and practically prepared to start school. 

Your child will have lots of new activities and routines to get used to when they start school. There are some things they’ll need to do more independently than they might have before. Research shows that a child’s relationship with their parents is the most important factor in their development, and there’s a lot you can do at home.

Additional Support
If your child needs additional support to settle into Reception, make sure you share as much information as possible with their new teacher. They can work with you to find strategies to support your child. If you know or suspect your child has special educational needs (SEND), developmental differences or delays, some of these skills may not be achievable for them at this point. Early support makes a big difference – ask your child’s nursery, school, health visitor, or Family Hub for help. For information about the SEND Early Years To Primary Transition Process visit: SEND Services for Early Years (0 to 5) - City of London Family Information Service

Get Ready For School With Coltale the Dragon Transition Cards
These cards are full of great ideas and activities to help your child’s transition from early years to primary school - plus you have the chance to enter a prize draw. Transition to primary school is the process where children move from early years education to a more structured school environment. It involves adapting to new routines, expectations and developing further skills for learning. Get a pack this summer at City of London nurseries and libraries or click here. Cards are also in the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

The BBC parenting website has lots of tips and activities to support the skills your child needs to start school - from potty training to language learning: Skills for starting school - advice for parents

You can find lots of help, support and resources by visiting: https://www.fis.cityoflondon.gov.uk/send-local-offer