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Ready, Set, School! Why Preparation Matters
Starting school is a huge step in a child’s life. According to the EYFS, the transition from nursery to Reception should support children’s emotional well-being, communication skills, and readiness for more structured routines.
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) also highlights the importance of a “positive transition experience”, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. With only a few weeks to go, what activities can you do to ensure they are ready?
5 Playful Ways We Prepare for School
1. Story Time with a Twist
Share books like “Starting School” by Janet and Allan Ahlberg or “Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo!” These stories spark conversations about what school might be like, and help children visualise the routines ahead.
Top Tip: Encourage the children to act out scenes, children love retelling stories when they’re the stars!
2. Dressing Up for the Future
Role play areas turn into mini classrooms! Children put on "uniforms" line up for “assemblies”, and take turns being the teacher.
Evidence check: Pretend play is linked to self-regulation and language development, two key predictors of school success (Whitebread et al., 2012).
3. Sock Sorting & School Routines
Share how simple routines like tidying up, putting on coats, and lining up may be different at school, through games and songs!
“This is the way we zip our coat…” (How many of you sang that out loud!)
If you have space you could set up a mini dining hall in your classroom with pretend trays, plates, and food. Children take turns carrying trays, choosing “food,” and sitting at a table.
These tasks build independence and executive functioning skills.
4. Hello, Feelings!
Transitions can stir big emotions. We create space for children to talk, draw, or role-play their feelings. We use visuals like emotion charts or mood monsters to make it fun and manageable.
Emotional literacy helps children feel confident and safe, vital for any new start.
5. Partnering with Parents
If you still have time why not end August with a “Get Ready for School” morning where your families can play, ask questions, and take home simple activities
I’m sure we don’t need to remind you, research says: Parent involvement is a key factor in successful transitions (OECD, 2017).
Let’s not forget: school readiness isn’t about knowing the alphabet or counting to 50. It’s about being curious, confident, and ready to play and learn with others. As the EYFS reminds us, "Children learn best through play and exploration."
If children leave your setting feeling excited, curious, and just a little bit taller (emotionally, not just physically!), we’ve done our job. September, here we come, school shoes laced, and imaginations running wild.
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Rebecca Oberg Director: Institute for the Early Years
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