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A complete guide to practical readiness, independence, and finding the right SEND support.
When school places are announced each spring, it can bring a wave of excitement (and a few nerves!). One minute you’re negotiating over socks, and the next you’re expected to prepare them for a brand new world. If you’re thinking, “How is my baby starting school already?!” – you’re definitely not alone.
Every child’s journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist. At Kids Planet, our nurseries are built to support your child’s transition to school gently and at their own pace. We’ve combined our expert nursery insights to help you prepare your child for a smooth transition, including dedicated advice for families seeking additional SEND support.
If you are worried your child needs to perfect their handwriting before September, take a deep breath. In their review of Good Practice in School Readiness, Ofsted shared this defining quote from a primary school Headteacher on what they actually look for:
“By four we would expect children to be ready to be separated from their parent or carer, to be able to demonstrate listening skills… To have enough language to be able to express themselves if they need something… and during play to be able to take turns and take some responsibility for their actions.”
To help guide families and educators, the Department for Education developed a School Readiness Checklist that highlights the core skills children are ideally supported to develop before starting school. It covers areas like:
There are four core areas, or pillars, to guide how we support children’s readiness. You can significantly reduce “first day nerves” by spending the summer holidays practicing these essential life skills:
Doing things “all by myself” is a massive confidence boost. Practice putting on and taking off the new uniform. Focus on tricky zips, buttons, and changing into PE kits (Velcro shoes are a great shortcut!).
We help children practise:
School isn’t just about learning; it’s about belonging. Strong communication helps children settle in, make friends, and follow instructions. We place a heavy focus on building these skills through play.
We support children to:
A child’s physical development plays a big part in how they manage daily school routines. From sitting on the carpet and holding a pencil to climbing stairs, physical confidence supports learning.
Key skills we focus on:
Children thrive on routine as it helps them feel safe, secure, and ready to learn. Moving from nursery to school means adjusting to new schedules, expectations, and environments.
We work with families to support:
You don’t need worksheets or formal lessons to help your child prepare for school. Real learning happens in everyday moments – and you’re already doing more than you think.
If you’re transitioning from nursery to primary school with a child who has SEND (or you suspect they might), it can feel even bigger. Reception often comes with new routines, different expectations around group times, and much busier environments.
Here’s the reframe we like: your child doesn’t need to “fit” the school. The right school makes reasonable adjustments so your child can flourish.
Before you even book a school tour, take five minutes to jot down what you already know about your child. This helps you walk into school meetings and open days feeling grounded and prepared:
When you’re weighing up support, access, and inclusion, ask for time with the School SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator). Try asking these questions without feeling awkward:
Many families assume it’s either “mainstream or specialist” and nothing in between. Here is a brief overview:
Even if you’re exploring specialist options, all parents/carers need to apply for a mainstream place as part of the process. Choose and submit at least a first, second, and often third preference of mainstream schools by mid-January. This helps everything align when places are allocated.
Transitioning isn’t something that happens overnight. We don’t just wave goodbye at the nursery gate and hope for the best. In our pre-school rooms, we spend the final term preparing children through targeted support:
Nope! Reception is designed to teach these. Focus instead on their confidence, communication, and curiosity.
Totally normal. Speak to your nursery team – we’ll support you every step of the way.
Talk to your nursery team first. They know your child well and can guide you on the right support, whether that’s within nursery or through a referral.
School readiness isn’t about being the most prepared, it’s about your child feeling ready, in their own time and in their own way. At Kids Planet, we’re here to guide and support your little one as they take this exciting next step!
And your journey doesn’t end on the first day. Our Holiday Clubs are a great way to keep familiar routines going during the long summer break.
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