Starting School

Welcome video and PowerPoint for our new Reception starters

Preparing your child for school

All parents want their child to be happy and do well at school. Encourage your child to look forward to going to school without making it sound too daunting e.g. ‘You won’t be able to do that when you start school!’…
The school day can seem long and tiring to begin with so don’t be surprised if your child seems tired and ‘babyish’ at the end of the day. It is best not to press them to answer lots of questions immediately – wait until they offer the information, possibly at bath-time or bedtime.
Tiredness during the first few weeks is quite natural and your child may equate this with ‘not liking school’ – try to stay positive and reassure them.
Your child will make a better start at school if he/she has learned to do the following:

• Speak clearly and ask politely for what they need
• Dress and undress on their own
• Go to the toilet alone, wipe themselves, flush the toilet, wash and dry their hands
• Blow their nose
• Use a knife and fork, spoon, cup and drinking straw
• Recognise their own names beginning with a capital letter
• Share things and take turns
• Answer questions and use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’
• Handle and enjoy books
• Use crayons, pencils, plasticine, scissors etc.
• Clear up toys, games or puzzles

All children need to be assured of being loved, to be praised when it is deserved, to feel proud of their achievements and to be encouraged to overcome difficulties.
If you have any questions or concerns please come and discuss them with their teacher to get the whole story. It is important that you are always positive and supportive about school in front of your child as this will help them to settle and feel secure.

Ongoing Parental Support

There are useful activities that you can do before school to help your child learn. However, children learn at different rates and the list below is only a guide. As the year goes on, the teacher will put ideas on the school website and information about what we have been doing in school – you will be able to follow these up at home to enhance your child’s learning experiences….
The most important thing you have to offer your child is your time – time to listen, talk and discuss, time to share their interests and experiences.

• Read and share books together
• Draw and paint
• Sing
• Make models
• Play games, including memory games and story games
• Cut out
• Throw and catch
• Fold paper
• Tell their own stories
• Make their own books
• Count objects
• Play ‘shops’
• Explore the outdoors

The Early Years Framework

Prime Areas of Learning:

• Communication & Language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social & Emotional Development.

Specific Areas:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts & Design

Recommended Reading & Websites for Further Information:

www.foundationyears.org.uk
www.peal.org.uk
www.early-education.org.uk