Starting Reception - The definition: skills to practise before starting Reception

New skills take time to learn. Practising at home will help your child move into school more easily and with confidence.

Growing independence

Taking care of themselves

• Putting on/taking off their coat and shoes
• Using the toilet and washing their hands
• Getting dressed with little help, e.g. after using the toilet or doing PE
• Using cutlery (e.g. fork and spoon, chopsticks) and drinking from an open cup
• Spending time away from you, learning they can be looked after by caring adults

Play, creativity and curiosity

• Taking part in imaginative play (e.g. role play)
• Drawing, painting, colouring and sticking
• Sharing story books with caregivers, looking at pictures and talking about the characters
• Exploring the world around them (e.g. looking closely at the natural world or playing safely with objects at home)

Building relationships and communicating

Being with others

• Practising sharing and taking turns with toys
• Talking to them about how they are feeling and why
• Looking at story books together and speaking about what characters are feeling is a good way to do this
• Beginning to recognise what others are feeling, e.g. understanding if a friend is sad
• Encouraging them to set boundaries for themselves and others (e.g. knowing how to say ‘no’)

Communication and language

• Singing along with songs and nursery rhymes
• Talking happily to others about activities, experiences and the world around them
• Showing they need help by speaking clearly (in basic English or sign language)
• Recognising the pattern of their name (so they can find it on their coat peg or jacket)

Listening and engaging

• Paying attention for short periods of time
• Listening to and following simple instructions
• Carrying on with a task even when it’s difficult and bouncing back if things go wrong

Physical development

Getting moving for at least three hours a day

• Walking up and down steps (one foot at a time, using the wall for support)
• Climbing, running, jumping and playing
• Catching a large ball (most of the time)
• Doing simple puzzles and craft activities, strengthening their grip with cutting and sticking

Healthy routines

• Going to bed around the same time each night, waking up in time to get ready for school
• Limiting screen time to the recommended daily amounts (see advice)
• Eating a healthy diet and trying new foods
• Brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (you’ll need to supervise this until they are at least 7)

What should I do if I have concerns about my child’s development?

• If you're worried about your child's progress, talk to your childminder/nursery/pre-school team, health visitor, local children's centre or Family Hub.
• If your child has developmental delays or SEND (suspected or confirmed), speak to their nursery, childminder, or health visitor/nursery/pre-school team well before they start Reception and discuss their needs when you are selecting schools.
• You can work with your child’s early years setting to help your child with self-care, managing emotions, social skills and communication in a way that suits their stage of development.
• ​You might want to share details about: their development, needs, what motivates them, what might trigger difficulties, how they learn best, and what strategies work well.
• Make sure you share important information with everyone supporting your child, including their new Reception teacher.

Resources for families with additional needs:

There are many organisations who can support you with information and strategies to prepare you, your child and their educational setting, ensuring a smooth transition and setting them up for future success.

These include:

• Family Lives
• Speech and Language UK
• Dingley’s Promise
• KIDS

Growing Independence Info and Guidance

Building Relationships and Communicating Info and Guidance

Physical Development Info and Guidance

Healthy Routines Info and Guidance