School Readiness

Starting school is an exciting time for young children and their parents. It can be a bit daunting too, but with a little preparation and encouragement, most children will settle into school easily.

Your child doesn’t need to be able to read, write or do sums before they start school. What’s most important is that you and your child have fun together in those preschool months and years – sharing stories, singing songs, playing games and talking about anything and everything. Play offers children a range of skills they will need when they start school so that they can understand their own needs and other people’s.

Healthier Together Ready for School
Information and ideas to help your child develop the skills they need to be ready for school

Practical things to learn before starting school

Going to the toilet

Help your child to be confident about getting to the toilet in time and wiping properly, using toilet paper

Washing hands

Help your child to understand the importance of good handwashing with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet.

Getting dressed

Let your child try putting on their school clothes, taking them off and folding them neatly. It will help if they can practice with buttons, zips or other fasteners.

Eating

Children need to be able to use a full-sized knife and fork and carry a plate or tray. If your child is taking a lunchbox, make sure they can open it as well as any containers and packets inside.

Using a tissue

Help your child get used to using a tissue to catch their sneezes or wipe a runny nose.

‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’

Catch a sneeze or runny nose in a tissue
Put it in the bin straightaway
Wash hands to kill germs

Tidying up

Help your child get used to hanging their coat up, putting toys away, clearing the table etc. this will help to prepare them for doing these things at school.