At Northampton High School, we are committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure the very best for each and every girl in our care. We are often asked how parents can best support their daughter in becoming Reception ready. This stage can be a significant time of transition for both parents and children, and our EYFS team is here to help make this as smooth and positive as possible.
Our top tips for supporting Reception readiness include:
Independence and self-care
Encourage your child to dress independently. Can they manage buttons and zips? Do they know which shoe goes on which foot? Putting tights and socks on can be particularly tricky and is well worth practising regularly. Make sure that there is the opportunity to try and wear a new uniform at home beforehand so they can get used to it.
Support your child in becoming independent with toileting, including knowing when to go, managing clothing, and washing hands afterwards. It is also helpful to ensure your child can use cutlery confidently at mealtimes.
Communication and social skills
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and to verbalise their needs. Playing simple games together, such as Snakes and Ladders or Pairs, helps children to understand turn-taking, an important skill when building friendships with new peers.
Following instructions
Encourage your child to follow simple instructions, such as tidying away toys after playing or helping to set the table. Offer plenty of encouragement and praise so they can recognise their achievements and feel proud of their efforts.
Early literacy and concentration
Reading books and singing simple nursery rhymes together are fantastic ways to help your child develop early literacy skills and learn to concentrate for short periods of time. Take time to share picture books together and talk about what you can see. Encourage your child to recognise their name and the letters that are in it. This will be particularly helpful for finding their pegs and trays when they arrive at school as well as identifying their own belongings.
Exploring the world
Encourage your child to spend time outdoors and explore the world around them . Ask questions and invite them to share their thoughts and ideas to support curiosity and language development.
Separation and confidence
Ensure your child has opportunities to spend short periods of time away from you. These can begin very briefly and be built up gradually. This helps prepare them for school and reassures them that you will always come back.
Getting to know the new setting
At Northampton High School, we endeavour to make the transition into Reception as seamless as possible. We host regular events for our forthcoming Reception cohort throughout the year, allowing the girls to become familiar, comfortable, and secure in their new surroundings.
Ensure that you select a setting that places emphasis on building relationships and connections with you as parents. This will offer not only much needed reassurance but many opportunities for you to work in partnership to support your child’s learning and development.
By Lucy Stawt
Head of Junior School
