Preparing for your child to start school

If your child was born between 1^st September 2020 and 31^st August 2021, you will need to apply for a school place for them, in England, (to start in September 2025) by Wednesday 15^th January 2025.

You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions

Choosing the right school

There are many important things to consider when choosing the right school for your child. Please be mindful that there are catchment areas for schools, depending on where you live. If you do not live in the catchment area of your chosen school, you may not be offered a place if the school is oversubscribed. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions

To help you make your decision consider:

1. Visiting the school in advance of your application. Most schools hold open days for prospective parents and children.
2. Talk to other parents in your area and those whose children attend the school you are considering.
3. Think about how you will get your child to school.
4. Read the school’s OTSTED report which is available here: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ (and usually on the school’s website).

When do I find out if my child has got a place?

If you have completed your application by 15^th January 2025, you should hear on Wednesday 16^th April 2025.

You must accept the offer by the deadline given in the offer letter. Otherwise it may be withdrawn and the place given to someone else.

Where can I find term time dates?

It is important that your child attends school for their best achievement, wellbeing and wider development. To help you book holidays outside of term time you can find your child’s school term time dates here: https://www.gov.uk/school-term-holiday-dates

What will my child learn at school?

The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the ‘national curriculum’, as well as relationships, sex and health education, and religious education.

The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.

Other types of school like academies and private schools do not have to follow the national curriculum. Academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science. They must also teach relationships and sex education, and religious education.

Learning through play

When your child first starts school, they will take part in activities where they will learn through play (both indoors and outdoors). In the article https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/early-years/ofsted-six-findings-early-years-practitioners-should-know# it was stated:

‘Ofsted says that play-based learning and direct instruction are both important for young children. The report points to previous research to conclude that the most effective settings likely combine both approaches.’

What do key stages mean?

The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS). At the end of each key stage, the teacher will formally assess your child’s performance.

Assessments

By the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.

More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum

How can I prepare my child for school?

Some great ideas to help them (and you) prepare for school can be found on BBC bitesize here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znc9vk7

1. Help them take responsibility(encourage them to help tidy up, clear their own plate, find their shoes etc.)
2. Encourage them to problem solve(“You want to reach your toys, how can you do that?”)
3. Help them get dressed (and undressed)

Help them be confident changing shoes, dressing and undressing. All will help independence when doing P.E.

Make a game out of putting on their school uniform and changing into their P.E. kit, then changing back again. You’ll soon find out which bits they need to practice.

If your child goes to nursery or pre-school, they’ve probably already mastered putting on their coat. There are some interesting techniques including laying the coat on the floor, putting arms in and flipping it over the head – whatever works for your child. And when it comes to shoes, velcro or slip on’s are easiest.

4. Support them at lunch time

Help them to get used to sitting at the table to eat, use a knife and fork. This will help them at lunch time. Lunchtime usually lasts around half an hour, so slowly get them used to sitting at the table without getting up and down and using cutlery to eat their food; it will be expected of them at school.

5. Help them go to the toilet, wash and dry their hands

Help them be independent toileting, wiping themselves properly. Talk about how important it is to wash their hands really well after going to the toilet. Try covering their hands with paint (the germs) and getting them to practice washing it all off.

Make sure your child is happy going to the toilet on their own, their uniform is easy to pull down and up (elasticated waists without belts are best for little ones), and they feel confident enough to put their hand up and ask to go.

Don’t worry if they have the odd accident as they’re settling in – it’s ok, nobody will be cross with them. It’s something teachers and teaching assistants are used to and help is at hand when it’s needed.

6. Help them recognise their name

It’s helpful if your child can recognise their name written down (you can practice this when you’re labelling all their stuff!) but really don’t worry if they can’t, teachers often put a picture or photo by each child’s name on their pegs and trays to make it easier for them.

7. Talk to them about starting school.

Visit your local library and pick up some books about starting school, so you can talk to them about it and they can ask you anything that they may be worried about. The Booktrust has a good list of books you could ask for: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/s/starting-school/

8. Be Positive

Starting school can be a big step for both you and your child. Try to be positive to your child about starting school, and if you have any worries talk to friends and family for support (out of earshot of your child).

More tips and strategies can be found here.