School Readiness
Getting Ready for School
Starting Reception is an exciting and important milestone for children and their families. At HETTY Preschool, we see school readiness as supporting the whole child—helping them feel safe, confident, curious and increasingly independent.
School readiness is not about expecting every child to read, write or complete formal work before starting Reception. Children develop at different rates and bring different strengths, experiences and needs. Our aim is to build the communication, relationships, confidence and practical skills that will help each child enjoy a positive start to school.
Our approach reflects the Department for Education’s 2026 guidance, Getting Children Ready for Reception, which emphasises:
- strong and trusting relationships with families
- close partnerships between early years settings and schools
- early identification of children’s needs
- inclusive and well-planned transition arrangements
- children’s wellbeing, belonging and continued learning
How HETTY Supports School Readiness
School readiness is developed throughout children’s time at HETTY through play, everyday routines, positive relationships and carefully planned learning experiences.
We support children to develop:
Communication and Language
Children are encouraged to:
- communicate their needs, ideas and feelings
- listen and respond during conversations
- enjoy stories, songs and rhymes
- understand and follow simple instructions
- ask questions and talk about their experiences
- develop confidence when communicating with adults and other children
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We help children to:
- form positive relationships with adults and other children
- join in with group activities
- share, cooperate and take turns
- recognise and communicate their emotions
- begin to manage disappointment and frustration with support
- ask a trusted adult for help
- develop confidence when encountering new people, places and routines
Independence and Self-Care
Children are supported, at their own pace, to:
- manage their coat and belongings
- attempt to dress and undress with increasing independence
- use the toilet and wash their hands
- recognise when they need help
- eat and drink independently
- use appropriate utensils
- make simple choices
- take responsibility for small everyday tasks
We recognise that some children will continue to need support with toileting, dressing, eating, communication or other aspects of self-care when they start school. This should never prevent a child from being welcomed or included. Where additional help is needed, we work with families and the receiving school to plan appropriate support.
Physical Development
Children have regular opportunities to develop:
- balance, coordination and spatial awareness
- running, climbing, jumping and ball skills
- strength and control in their hands and fingers
- safe and confident use of tools and equipment
- the physical skills needed for activities such as drawing, painting and early writing
Curiosity and a Love of Learning
Through play and meaningful experiences, children are encouraged to:
- explore and investigate
- solve problems and try different approaches
- make choices and develop their own ideas
- concentrate on an activity
- keep trying when something is difficult
- enjoy books, mark-making, numbers, patterns and creative activities
- feel proud of their efforts and achievements
Our Rocket Room
Children who are due to start school the following year have opportunities to attend sessions in our Rocket Room as well as continuing to learn and play within HETTY Preschool.
Rocket Room provides a slightly more structured classroom experience while remaining playful, inclusive and appropriate to the EYFS. Children become familiar with routines and activities that support their move into Reception, including First 4 Maths and Little Wandle approaches, which help provide continuity with Hoole CE Primary School.
These sessions support children’s confidence, communication, independence, listening, friendships and familiarity with school-style routines without placing unnecessary pressure on them.
Working with Families
Parents and carers know their children best and are an essential part of the transition process. We will talk with you about your child’s:
- strengths and interests
- confidence and independence
- communication and relationships
- health, care and medical needs
- SEND or emerging additional needs
- worries about starting school
- any support that may help them make a successful transition.
Please speak to your child’s Key Person if you have concerns about matters such as toileting, eating, sleeping, behaviour, communication, separation anxiety or independence. Early conversations allow us to agree consistent approaches and put support in place.
There is no expectation that every child will have mastered every skill before starting Reception. What matters is that adults work together to understand and support the individual child.
Working with Schools
Transition is an ongoing process rather than a single visit or event. HETTY works closely with receiving schools, including Hoole CE Primary School, to support continuity in children’s care, learning and development.
Our transition arrangements may include:
- visits and opportunities to become familiar with the school environment
- conversations with Reception teachers and school SENCos
- sharing information about children’s strengths, interests and support needs, with parental consent
- transition photographs, stories and activities
- enhanced transition planning for children who may need additional support
- meetings involving families, HETTY staff, the receiving school and other professionals when appropriate
For children with SEND, medical needs or other identified barriers, we begin transition planning as early as possible so that reasonable adjustments, familiar strategies and appropriate support can be available from the child’s first day.
How Parents Can Help at Home
Everyday activities provide valuable preparation for school. Parents and carers can help by:
- sharing stories, songs and conversations
- encouraging children to talk about their day
- giving them time to answer questions and express their ideas
- practising putting on coats and managing simple fastenings
- encouraging independent eating, handwashing and toileting
- giving children small responsibilities
- visiting the school and talking positively about the transition
- establishing predictable morning and bedtime routines
- arranging opportunities to play with other children
- reassuring children that it is normal to feel both excited and uncertain
Preparation should remain positive, playful and manageable. Children do not need worksheets or formal lessons at home to be ready for school.
Government Guidance for Families
Parents and carers can read the Department for Education’s full guidance here:
A shorter Government summary is also available here:
Supporting a Smooth Transition into Reception
https://www.startingwell.org.uk/school-readiness
Please Talk to Us
Starting school is a transition for parents and carers as well as children. If you have questions or worries, please speak to your child’s Key Person.
By working together with families and receiving schools, we can help every child feel known, included and confident as they begin the next stage of their learning journey.