Parent Corner

Transition – Starting Reception

Starting Reception – online information

New skills take time to learn. Practising at home will help your child move into school more easily and with confidence.

Growing independence

Taking care of themselves

Putting on/taking off their coat and shoes
Using the toilet and washing their hands
Getting dressed with little help, e.g. after using the toilet or doing PE
Using a fork/spoon and drinking from an open cup
Spending time away from you, learning they can be looked after by caring adults

Play, creativity and curiosity

Engaging in imaginative play (e.g. role play)
Drawing, painting, colouring and sticking
Sharing story books with caregivers, looking at pictures and talking about the characters
Exploring the world around them (e.g. looking closely at the natural world or playing safely with objects at home)

Building relationships and communicating

Being with others

Practicing sharing and taking turns with toys
Talking to them about howthey are feeling and why
Looking at story books together and speaking about what characters are feeling is a good way to do this
Beginning to recognise what others are feeling, e.g. understanding if a friend is sad
Encouraging them to set boundaries for themselves and others (e.g. knowing how to say ‘no’)

Communication and language

Singing along with songs and nursery rhymes
Talking happily to others about activities, experiences and the world around them
Showing they need help by speaking clearly (in basic English or sign language)
Recognising the pattern of their name (so they can find it on their coat peg or jacket)

Listening and engaging

Paying attention for short periods of time
Listening to and following simple instructions
Carrying on with a task even when it’s difficult and bouncing back if things go wrong

Physical development

Getting moving for at least three hours a day

Walking up and down steps (one foot at a time, using the wall for support)
Climbing, running, jumping and playing
Catching a large ball (most of the time)
Doing simple puzzles and craft activities, strengthening their grip with cutting and sticking

Healthy routines

Going to bed around the same time each night, waking up in time to get ready for school
Limiting screen time to the recommended daily amounts (see advice)
Eating a healthy diet and trying new foods
Brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (you’ll need to supervise this until they are at least 7)

Transition – Starting Secondary

Moving from Primary to Secondary School leaflet

During school holidays

Family Information Service & Local Offer

For identifying short breaks, holiday activities and community support, which may provide respite opportunities

Online parenting and emotional wellbeing support

Triple P Parenting Programme

Evidence-based online and group parenting support, which may support behaviour management strategies at home.

The Challenging Behaviour Foundation

Provides practical strategies and guidance for supporting children with complex behavioural needs, including managing challenging behaviour in the home.