The requirements and age to start Reception across the UK are generally that the child should be starting school within the academic year that they will turn five. It used to be a more varied picture, with some Local Education Authorities offering two term start dates in the year (September or January), or even allowing some children who had summer birthdays, to stay back a year. These days however, the education system is more comfortable with a “one size fits all” approach, so as you prepare your pre-schooler for big school, we have compiled some tips in readiness for their big day in September!
Don’t forget to check with your local school or Education Authority for readiness requirements on their websites. Or you can call and ask the school secretary to send you the curriculum. So, it’s a good plan to check out requirements several months before enrolment. There are no hard and fast rules about what a child should be able to do in preparation for Reception, but there are some common expectations. Care.com nanny expert, Rosemary Albone, has provided her 8 top tips to tell if your child is ready for starting school.
Your child is probably ready to start Reception if he or she:
- Follows simple directions: Maybe you’re lucky and your little angel does whatever she’s told. But in reality, most children don’t behave all the time. It’s important, however, that your child can listen to a teacher and completes instructions, so good speaking and listening skills are helpful.
- Sits still for short periods of time: Your child shouldn’t be expected to sit for a three hour opera, but should remain in one spot long enough to enjoy a story and participate in class activities.
- Uses the bathroom: Your child should be able to know when they have to go to the toilet, and be able to manage it themselves – and know some basic hygiene rules (wiping and washing hands).
- Recognises some letters, perhaps those in their name for example: Believe it or not, it’s absolutely OK if your child isn’t reading when they start school. But it’s great if they can make the connection between letters having meaning.
- Works on fine and gross motor skills: Healthy physical development is crucial to learning. In preparation, involve them in balancing activities, throwing and catching balls, running and stopping, picking up small items, using a knife and fork etc.
- Gets along with peers: Ideally, your child knows how to share and take turns, but those are skills that can take a lifetime to master.
- Handles emotions: It’s normal for a five year old to break down in tears when she’s upset. But, it’s important that she knows her feelings, and has coping strategies.
- Shows an interest in learning: He doesn’t have to be a little Einstein, but it helps if your child likes listening to stories, music, and books, asking questions and seems stimulated by the information.
The more excited a child is about school, the easier the transition will be.
If you decide your child is not yet ready for Reception, but that the date is looming nonetheless – it’s important to come up with a game-plan for the year. Children who are behind socially or academically should get plenty of exposure to a classroom environment. It’s not much help to keep them at home, away from other children and the chance to learn. Make sure that you take advantage of the free hours at local pre schools and nurseries for this, or “stay and play” sessions run in your neighbourhood.
“I do think there are a myriad of advantages to spending at least a year in a local pre school or nursery” says Rosemary Albone, Care.com nanny expert.
Concerned parents also need to recognise the difference between meeting and exceeding expectations. Your child does not need to have mastered reading, writing and arithmetic before he or she starts school, but should show that he’s focused, curious and stimulated by learning.
“There’s a difference between a child really being keen and appropriately prepared, and a child being pushed and over prepared,” says Ms Albone. “Children who are bright and keen do need stimulation so that they don’t become switched off to learning – while children who may be shy or less comfortable with some school-based activities will benefit from nursery or pre school sessions in the year before school. Managed correctly by parent or nanny, the transition to Reception can be a wonderful confidence boost for everyone.”