Supporting your child's early education

Your child’s journey to school begins at home, and it’s never too early to start. Every child grows and learns in their own way from birth, and research shows that a child’s relationship with their parents is the most important factor in their development.

• Bucks Family Learning runs free online and face‑to‑face sessions to boost parents’ confidence in supporting learning.
• Best Start in Life, simple and fun age‑based activities supporting all areas of development.
• BBC CBeebies Parenting, preschool tips and advice on child development.
• BBC Tiny Happy People (0 to 3 years), language learning and development ideas.
• Words for Life, activities to support language, literacy and communication.
• Early Years Service 'Learning at Home' Together cards. There is a half-termly theme, and then the General Activities relate to an area of the EYFS.

Health visitors are nurses or midwives who work with families to give pre-school-age children the best possible start in life. Most health visitors' drop-in sessions run at Family Centres.

They will help you by providing:

• ante-natal and post-natal support
• support with bringing up young children
• assessments on your child’s growth and development needs
• advice on feeding
• support for children with special needs
• advice on behavioural management techniques
• information on local services
• advice on how to reduce risks, prevent accidents and reduce injuries

Find a Health visitor drop-in at your local Family Centre. Or, you can go to the Health for Under 5s - For Healthy, Happy Early Years website.

Start for Life has lots of simple and fun activities you can do with your child. These activities are broken down by age starting from the first 6 months. They can help with different areas of development from touch and taste to speaking and listening.

Words for Life is created by the National Literacy Trust and provides activities and support for parents to improve language, literacy and communication skills from home.

Lots of local places like Family Centres, libraries and churches run sessions for babies, toddlers and young children. Some are even be run by parents and volunteers.

These sessions let parents and carers play with their children and meet new people. You’ll often find toys, games and sessions are provided. This is great if you don’t have many of these things at home, or you don’t have much space.

The NHS recommend young children should be active for at least 3 hours a day. The fresh air, stimulation and exercise all help their development.

The BBC have put together Eight outdoor activities to do with kids and the NHS have guidelines for physical activity for children under 5. This includes physical activity ideas and tips.

You can try these in your own garden or at local parks and open spaces.

The EYFS sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. These areas of learning form the building blocks of your child’s education.

Parents can support learning at home through simple, playful activities together.

• Understand what your child may be doing and how to help them at home.
• Includes top tips for fun, playful learning.

Guide: What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide for parents.

When your child starts at a setting, share information about their needs.

Providers can apply for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) for disadvantaged 3‑ or 4‑year‑olds. A child might be disadvantaged if you get some benefits, the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit, or they have been in care.

Apply for Early Years Pupil Premium

This application can be made by parents, carers or childcare providers with the parents' permission.

Explore childcare options, search for local childcare and apply for help towards the costs of childcare

How to help your child be ready for school.

As a parent, you will need to apply for a school place for your child. Get guidance, advice and support to help you decide upon and apply for a school place. Discover useful dates and timelines, and what to do if your child has an Educational Health Care Plan and more.

Before starting school in Reception class, there are early skills that schools hope children will be developing. Encouraging these at home can make the transition into school smoother and more enjoyable.

Starting school involves new routines and increased independence. You can help your child become more confident and independent through simple activities at home, making them ready for school. Practise:

• confidence with toileting
• managing clothes and coats
• using cutlery
• sharing and taking turns
• listening and following simple instructions
• speaking and expressing needs

If your child attends a nursery, pre‑school, or a childminder, the staff will continue to work with you to help your child get ready.

Children should be fully toilet‑trained well before starting school unless they have a medical condition affecting bladder or bowel control.

Being nappy‑free helps children feel more confident, included, and ready to learn. Learning to use the potty is a key step in your child’s growing independence.

Every child develops differently, but evidence suggests that moving away from nappies, including reusable nappies, pull‑ups, and training pants, between about 18 and 30 months supports healthy bladder and bowel development.

Useful resources:

• The Potting Training Guide - Starting Reception
• It's Potty Time! - Health for Under 5s

When it comes to beginning school, some children may need a little extra support, and that is completely normal.

If your child may need extra support, share information early with their new teacher. They can work with you to help support your child.

Children with SEND, summer‑born children or those learning English as an additional language may need more time or support.

Early support makes a difference. Ask your child’s nursery, school, health visitor, or Family Hub for help.

For more information about the skills your child will need and how you can help them at home, please visit Home - Starting Reception.