We’ve used the term ‘School Readiness’ to encompass all the skills that we believe children need to be secure in, to enable them to make a smooth start.   School Readiness is when a child holds curiosity and enthusiasm for the world around them.  They are able to co-operate and share with one another.  They speak clearly in sentences whilst listening and understanding what others say.  They move with co-ordination whilst being able to address their care needs.

This can be summed up as…

7 skills to support children in school readiness:

Co-operating

Listening and understanding

Sharing

Dealing independently with care needs

Speaking clearly in sentences

Having co-ordination

Showing curiosity and enthusiasm

Whilst it is brilliant if a child can write their name or count to 20, we are not expecting the children to start being able to do these things.  It is important to recognise the importance of the above 7 skills, as they lay the foundations for successful future learning.

All these skills can be encouraged at home in creative ways.  The ‘simple’ things can be really helpful too:  singing nursery rhymes, being interested in numbers, sharing stories, solving puzzles and just doing things with your child like baking, getting out in the garden and simply chatting with them.  Good communication is the heart of all learning.  Talking, reading aloud and singing all stimulate children’s understanding and use of language.  This helps them learn to become good communicators and eager readers.  Please don't worry if your child is struggling with any of these.  We know that every child is unique and children will do things at their own pace and when they're ready.