Getting ready to start school top tips for parents and carers

It will help your child if they are able to:

• use words, objects or gestures to help them explain what they need to a grown up
• listen and follow instructions
• sit and listen for a short while, for example to a story
• tell you when they are hungry, tired or need the toilet

Here are some ways you can help your child:

• chat with your child when you're out on a walk - talk about what you can see and give them time to chat to you back in a way they are comfortable with
• listen to your child's questions and help them to answer them
• talk to them about things you are doing to help them learn and give them time to ask and answer questions
• provide opportunities for chatting, playing and interacting together
• spend time together reading, telling stories or singing songs
• allow opportunities to play, create imagination and build curiosity

It will help your child if they are able to:

• put on their coat, fasten it, take it off and hang it up
• wash and dry their hands by themselves
• go to the toilet by themselves
• use a knife and fork to feed themselves
• drink from a cup

Here are some ways you can help your child:

• check that your child can undo and do up their clothes. Give them time to practice this
• show and give your child simple instructions so that they are able to learn how to do these things and give them the time to practice
• encourage your child to use the toilet so that they are able to go on their own
• make it fun for your child to practice doing these things and give lots of encouragement and praise
• sit down and eat meals with your child, encouraging them to taste a variety of healthier foods

It will help your child if they are able to:

• choose the toys they wish to play with and make up ideas of games to play or things to do
• watch what other children and doing and join in playing with them
• feel comfortable when you are not around and can communicate with other grown-ups and children

Here are some ways you can help your child:

• play listening games together, for example Simon Says
• help your child to use some of their toys to make up a story
• visit groups together, for example, libraries, play-groups or nursery where they can meet other children and interact with them
• spend time together talking about the things you know and give your child time to talk back to you about their family and friends
• spend time together talking about school - answer their questions, find out how they are feeling and talk to them to help put them at ease