National Primary Offer Day reminds us of the significant transition children are about to make as they begin their school journey.
As a Multi Academy Trust, we know that school readiness is built through early collaboration between families, early years settings and schools. When children are not ready for school, this can become a barrier to achievement, and it is our collective responsibility to minimise this.
School readiness is often mistaken for a checklist of tasks or competencies. In reality, it is a holistic blend of emotional security, social confidence, physical independence and curiosity about learning. Families play a vital role in preparing children, but schools and early years providers are equally responsible for creating supportive environments, clear expectations and strong relationships that help children thrive from day one.
Tom Little, Headteacher at Milton Mount Primary School and a parent of young children, shares his experience:
“We recognise that children start school at very different stages of development - some are almost a year older than others - so it’s natural for them to vary in how “school ready” they are. I see this in my own family: our daughter, born in January, was naturally more prepared for school than our son, who was born in May. To help our son feel confident going to school this September, we are talking to him all the time and encouraging him to articulate his thoughts, reading with him daily, supporting him to use the toilet independently, arranging regular play dates, practising pencil grip and encouraging him to be polite and consider other people’s feelings.
Both of our children have attended nursery but for families whose children have been at home more, it can really help to give them plenty of chances to spend time away from you so they learn to feel safe and confident with other trusted adults. When children arrive at school with even some of these early skills, it makes a noticeable difference for staff and pupils.”
Across our primary and infant schools, parents are offered practical tips ahead of September, often in their welcome packs. These focus on promoting independence and helping children develop resilience and confidence.
Social and emotional readiness underpins a successful start to school. Children who can communicate their needs, manage everyday frustrations and build positive relationships are better placed to engage with learning. Supporting children to understand and talk about their feelings, practise turn-taking and play cooperatively all help them adjust to life in the classroom.
Martinet Pretorius, Headteacher at Kingswood Primary School and a parent of a child currently in Reception, reflects:
“I am acutely aware of the impact school readiness has on the early success of pupils and the operational demands on staff. When children arrive with emerging independence: managing personal care (including toileting and getting changed), communicating needs, recognising and writing their name and navigating basic routines, it accelerates their sense of belonging and allows teachers to focus on high quality learning rather than regulation and dependency.
In our own family, prioritising independence over academic acceleration proved invaluable, reinforcing my professional belief that confidence, communication and self management are foundational enablers of learning.”
Starting school can be an emotional step for parents and carers too. For schools and Trusts, this is an opportunity to offer support that extends beyond the child, helping parents and carers feel confident about the school, which in turn helps children feel secure about the transition.
By embracing our values of collaboration and support, our schools build authentic partnerships with parents by:
- Creating opportunities for connection
- Keeping communication clear, honest and hopeful
- Encouraging open conversations about concerns
Where children have additional needs or anxieties, we encourage families to share this information promptly so schools can work collaboratively to provide appropriate support.
Each new cohort brings unique strengths and needs. School readiness is not a fixed destination, but an ongoing journey shaped by the relationships across families, schools and the wider early years community.
Together, we help every child begin their journey by truly Stepping into Greatness.
