How to get your child Reception ready

Stories
November 25, 2021

Important milestones are dotted along our pathways as we travel through life – none more so than when young children begin their journey into education. As parents you find yourself challenged with a big decision: who to trust with the care and education of your most precious commodity. Schools are around every corner, the big bustling primary, the small rural setting, the one closest to your doorstep -  but how do you know which is the right one for you, and more importantly for your child?

As a parent the list of considerations when choosing a school is endless, but at the centre of it all has to be your child. Will they feel happy? Will they have a chance to grow? To explore their interests and discover their passions? Will they be nurtured and encouraged to be the best version of themselves? Will they thrive and succeed? Will the school you choose spark their curiosity and help them develop their joy for learning and life beyond education?

The best way to answer all these questions is to step inside and see for yourselves.

A visit to a school is a must. First impressions are paramount. A smiley receptionist, a welcoming and informed admissions team and a Head with a strong vision of what is best for the children in their care will all go a little towards helping with your decision. Experiencing classrooms that bubble with creativity and laughter will answer many more of your questions. And do make sure you ask plenty! Happy engaged children and enthusiastic staff willing to share a snippet of their day go a long way to building a positive feeling for a school. Students and staff will all have their own story as to why they attend the best school: the facilities, the grounds, the lunches, not forgetting the curriculum. The important question will still remain: is it right for your child? Only you can answer that and once you have, we reach the next milestone…

…starting school. This is an exciting time but it can often be a daunting one too. With preparation and encouragement your child will feel more at ease, as will you. School readiness is not about letter sounds and numbers or reading and writing; readiness is about building confidence and nurturing independence. Most schools will do everything they can to help your family be ready, running exciting transition days to build your child’s confidence and help them settle into their new surroundings. And it’s important that you too feel welcomed and confident in the routines of the school as your own feelings will be relayed to your child. Spending time with their new teacher and meeting new friends will empower your child, enable them to build familiarity and find their feet within the classroom. When their first day arrives it will not seem so daunting as they will be surrounded by those familiar faces in a welcoming environment. The holiday period before school starts in September is the perfect time to keep the excitement alive: build the excitement, alongside preparing the new uniform and trying on the new shoes. Take the time to chat about the fun they had when they visited and the things they loved about their new teacher, new school and new friends.

Fostering independence in small tasks can help build their confidence, so consider these points: can your child put on their own coat? Can they dress and undress themselves? Can they feed themselves? Can they visit the toilet independently? Can they look after their belongings and help with little jobs? These points may seem small but in the hustle and bustle of a school day they are all things that could make your child feel more comfortable and foster their independence. A happy child who feels safe to explore will grow into a great learner, discovering the joy of their education each and every day.

So that’s it, they’re in school, their exciting journey has started, relax and enjoy it. Greet them with a smile at the end of each day and be ready to hear all about the fun and adventures they are experiencing on the first step of their educational journey.

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