Supporting your child's school journey
2. Reception
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is for children aged three to five years old and is the first stage of their education (Nursery and Reception).
The key focus is on teaching them routine and easing them into the idea of learning in a structured environment.
Applying for school
Moving up to 'big school' can be a huge change in a child's life, but it can also be confusing for parents and carers to know when to apply, how to apply and what schools to apply for.
Using the guide to starting school can really help with any questions you may have.
Is your child ready for school
School is an important part of your child's life, but not every child will be able to cope with the move to 'big school'.
Attending toddler groups and sessions can help them to develop socialisation skills ready for school.
What does being school ready mean
School readiness is a term often used to describe how ready children are socially, physically, and intellectually, to start formal schooling.
Being school ready means that your child :
- has good social skills
- can cope emotionally with being separated from a parent or carer
- are able to go to the toilet, wash their hands and apply their own suncream
- have a desire to learn and an interest in the world around them
Where can I get support
Many organisations, charities and groups in Buckinghamshire provide support and advice on helping to prepare your child for Reception, including:
The Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust Children and Young People's service, which includes the School Readiness Team, can help you and your child get ready to start school.
Their website has help and support on:
- encouraging independence
- positive behaviours
- positive communication
- positive wellbeing
- promotion healthy bladder and bowels
Parents and carers can also download a handy school readiness checklist.
The Buckinghamshire Family Learning team run a variety of free early years courses for parents and carers of children across Buckinghamshire.
Buckinghamshire’s Family Centres run a variety of parenting programmes to help you meet your child’s needs and reduce anxiety, stress and arguments at home.
Wraparound childcare is childcare provided outside of school hours, some schools have morning and afterschool clubs, whilst other people use childminders, family or friends. You can find a childminder near you on our directory.
There may be some vaccinations your child should have before starting school, it's important to make sure they are up to date to keep them safe.
The SEND Local Offer also has information about the help available for children with SEND in education.
Educational resources for 0 to 5s: websites, apps and resources to help your child's learning at home.
The Children's Bowel and Bladder Charity has advice and support on potty training your child.
Health for Kids has information about keeping your family fit, healthy and happy.
NHS resources and information on:
Speech and Language UK has a Child's progress checker to help you understand how your child is progressing with talking and understanding words.
The Sleep Charity provides information and support to help your child sleep better.
Twinkl has a range of information and checklists.
The BBC's Tiny Happy People has resources on how to prepare your child for starting school and Cbeebies getting ready for school-themed episodes.