Helping Your Child Feel Happy, Confident and Ready
Starting Nursery or Reception is an exciting milestone for children and their families. At Rugeley John Taylor, we want every child to feel safe, known and excited about beginning their school journey.
Getting ready for school does not mean that children need to be able to read, write or complete sums before they arrive. The most helpful things to practise are everyday skills that build confidence, communication and independence.
These might include:
· talking about their needs and feelings;
· listening to a short story or simple instruction;
· taking turns and playing alongside other children;
· using the toilet and washing their hands;
· putting on their coat and managing their belongings;
· eating and drinking with increasing independence;
· enjoying stories, songs, rhymes, drawing, counting and play;
· becoming familiar with simple routines, such as tidying away.
Every child develops at their own pace. Some children will need additional help or adjustments with particular skills, and that is completely understood. Our Early Years team will work closely with families and previous settings to make sure each child receives the support they need.
The Starting Reception website, developed by Kindred² and a group of early years organisations, provides clear and practical guidance for parents and carers.
It includes ideas to support:
Coram PACEY provides helpful activities, information and practical suggestions to support children before they start school and during their first year.
The resources focus on children’s confidence, emotional wellbeing, communication, independence and curiosity.
The following guides contain simple ideas that families can try as part of everyday life. They are designed to support children through play, conversation and familiar routines.
Supportive, practical advice to help children develop confidence with using the toilet and managing their personal care.
Helpful guidance for establishing a positive toothbrushing routine and supporting children to look after their teeth.
Everyday games and activities that help children develop their attention, listening and understanding.
Ideas for encouraging children to talk about their experiences, thoughts, feelings and the world around them.
Fun ways to strengthen children’s hands, develop pencil control and encourage early drawing and mark-making.
Playful ideas for helping children notice numbers, count objects and explore shapes, patterns and mathematical language during everyday activities.
These resources are not tests or checklists that children must complete before starting school. Children learn best through warm relationships, play, conversation and repeated opportunities to practise new skills.
Simple experiences can make a real difference, such as:
· sharing a story together;
· singing nursery rhymes;
· counting the stairs;
· drawing or painting;
· letting your child carry their own bag;
· practising putting on a coat;
· talking about feelings;
· playing turn-taking games;
· encouraging your child to ask for help.
Please speak to a member of our Early Years team if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, independence or transition into Nursery or Reception. Working together helps us give every child the strongest and happiest possible start.
