Getting Ready to Start School

Starting school can be an exciting time but it can also come with concerns and anxiety. We’ve put together a few things about getting our child ready for school.

Toilet Training

Ideally your child should be toilet trained by the time they start school, but some children might find it a bit challenging.

If you need some support with toilet training, come along to one of our Stay & Play sessions, our friendly Early Year’s practitioners will be able to offer advice and support. 

If your child isn't fully toilet trained by the time they’re joining school or still has accidents, mention this to their teacher. 

Check out our article: Tips for toilet training

Reading & Writing 

Reading with your child regularly and practicing letter writing at home can help children get a head start for primary school. Remember, Southwark residents can get a free book every month with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. 

Our Stay and Play Session: Early Words Together is designed to support early literacy and communication skills. Our team will also share ideas of things you can do at home with your child to support to develop their language and communication. 

Language & Communication

Communications skills are key to how children are able to interact with and learn from others, both in the home as well as in the school environment.  

Visit the Best Start in Life website to read about little tips and activities you can fit in with your normal daily routine. 

If you feel that your child might need some extra support you can join Early Words Together, or Chatter Time - this session is run by Link Speech & Language Therapists, they’ll share tips and advice on speech and language development.  

Talk About School

Most children are very excited to start ‘big school’ but it can also be an anxious time. Talk to your child about school, tell them the name of the school and their teacher and anything else you know.  

Your primary school will give you information about the first day and what to expect, if they don't, get in touch with them.  

Practice the School Run

During the summer holidays you could practice, this could help your child get excited about starting school and used to the new route.