Is Your Child Ready for School?
A Guide to School Readiness: Starting School September 2025
With the new school year starting in just 24 weeks, is it time to start thinking about school readiness? The honest answer is—school readiness starts from birth! From the moment your child is born, they are developing the skills they’ll need for school, from communication and social skills to independence and problem-solving. Every interaction, every bedtime story, and every opportunity for play helps build the foundation for learning. School readiness isn’t about a checklist—it’s about raising a child who is ready to learn, explore, and thrive!
Starting school is a significant milestone in a child’s life. But what does it really mean for a child to be “school-ready”? Many parents assume school readiness is about knowing letters, numbers, or even how to write their name. While academic skills can be helpful, true school readiness is a broader concept that encompasses social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
It’s important to look at your child as an individual and understand that every child develops at their own pace. Over the next few months, observe where your child thrives and where they may need to build more confidence. This could be in their social interactions, emotional regulation, or practical skills like dressing independently. Supporting them in these areas will help ease the transition to school and ensure they feel secure and capable.
What is School Readiness?
The UK Department for Education defines school readiness as a child’s ability to thrive in a school environment—socially, emotionally, and physically. The UNICEF framework outlines five key dimensions of school readiness:
Physical well-being – Being healthy, well-nourished, and having motor skills to navigate the school environment.
Social and emotional development – Managing emotions, following instructions, and engaging with peers.
Approaches to learning – Curiosity, persistence, and enthusiasm for learning.
Cognitive skills – Basic problem-solving, attention span, and early literacy and numeracy concepts.
Language and communication – The ability to express needs, understand simple instructions, and engage in conversations.
How to Ensure Your Child is Ready for School
1. Encourage Independence
School requires children to manage small tasks on their own. Encouraging independence builds confidence and helps children feel capable in a structured environment. Simple skills like dressing themselves, using the toilet independently, and tidying up after play help them feel more in control and reduce anxiety about school routines.
You can support independence by:
Encouraging dressing and undressing (for Phyiscal Education)
Practicing using the toilet independently, including washing hands
Teaching them how to open their lunchbox and use cutlery
Giving them small responsibilities, like tidying up toys
2. Develop Social and Emotional Skills
School involves interacting with teachers and friends, classmates and older children, following instructions, and managing emotions. Social and emotional readiness helps children feel more secure in a new environment and allows them to form friendships and build resilience.
You can help by:
Encouraging turn-taking and sharing during play
Reading books about emotions and talking about feelings
Using emotion coaching techniques for emotional regulation skills
Teaching simple conflict resolution skills, like using words to express feelings
3. Build Early Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Children do not need to be reading or writing fluently, but early exposure to literacy and numeracy concepts helps them feel more confident in a learning environment. Recognising letters, enjoying books, and understanding basic numbers prepare them for classroom activities.
You can introduce these concepts by:
Reading stories daily and discussing them
Playing rhyming and letter-recognition games
Counting everyday objects (stairs, toys, snacks)
Encouraging mark-making and drawing, which strengthen fine motor skills for writing
4. Support Language and Communication
Strong language skills help children express their needs, follow instructions, and engage with teachers and peers. Being able to communicate effectively reduces frustration and supports learning.
You can boost language skills by:
Talking to your child throughout the day about what you see and do
Asking open-ended questions (e.g., “What do you think will happen next?”)
Singing nursery rhymes and playing listening games
Encouraging storytelling and imaginative play
5. Foster a Love for Learning
Children who enjoy learning are more likely to be engaged in the classroom and adapt to school routines. A positive attitude toward learning fosters curiosity and problem-solving skills, which are essential for school success.
Encourage curiosity by:
Exploring new places (parks, museums, libraries)
Engaging in hands-on activities like puzzles and building blocks
Praising effort rather than just results
Allowing children to take the lead in play and discovery
6. Establish a Routine
A predictable routine helps children feel secure and ready for school. Consistent wake-up and bedtimes, structured mealtimes, and quiet time for reading or activities mimic the school day and make the transition easier.
You can create a school-friendly routine by:
Setting a regular wake-up and bedtime schedule
Having consistent mealtimes
Introducing quiet time for reading or activities
Practicing getting dressed and ready in the morning
Final Thoughts
“The greatest gift we can give our children as they prepare for starting school is a love of learning and a belief in their own capabilities” (Ramey and Ramey, 1998)
Every child develops at their own pace, and school readiness is about equipping them with the confidence and skills to enjoy and engage with learning. One of the most important aspects of school readiness is building confidence. A confident child is more likely to embrace new experiences, navigate challenges, and develop a love for learning. Confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room—extroversion and confidence are not the same thing. Some children may be naturally quieter, preferring to observe before joining in, yet still possess a strong sense of self-assurance. True confidence comes from feeling secure, capable, and supported, knowing that their voice matters regardless of how loudly they express it. Encouraging independence, problem-solving, and a growth mindset from an early age helps lay the foundation for a child who is not just ready for school but ready to thrive. A positive, nurturing approach will help your child start school feeling happy and secure. If you have concerns, speak to your child’s preschool teacher or health visitor for guidance and support. By focusing on these key areas, you can help your child feel ready and excited for this new chapter in their life!
If you need support with potty training prior to starting school, my “Potty Training Made Easy” course is an excellent resource. This course has been designed by qualified health professionals with over 10 years of experience in child health and development. Whether you're just getting started or need some troubleshooting tips, this course will guide you through every step.
References
Peckham, K. (2016). Developing School Readiness: Creating Lifelong Learners. Routledge.
UNICEF (2012). School Readiness: A Conceptual Framework.
UK Department for Education (2015). What to Expect, When? Guidance to Your Child’s Learning and Development.
Blair, C., & Raver, C. C. (2015). School Readiness and Self-Regulation: A Developmental Psychobiological Approach. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 711-731.
Ramey, C. T., & Ramey, S. L. (1998). Early intervention and early experience. American Psychologist, 53(2), 109–120.
Duncan, G. J., Dowsett, C. J., Claessens, A., Magnuson, K., Huston, A. C., Klebanov, P., & Japel, C. (2007). School Readiness and Later Achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1428-1446.
Sylva, K., Melhuish, E., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I., & Taggart, B. (2010). Early Childhood Matters: Evidence from the Effective Pre-school and Primary Education Project. Routledge.
Whitebread, D., & Bingham, S. (2013). School Readiness: A Critical Review of Perspectives and Evidence. TACTYC Occasional Paper, 2.