Preparing your child for school

The summer term is when our thoughts turn to September and the children who will be moving on to primary school. Starting school is one of the biggest milestones in early childhood, and a little preparation now makes the change far smoother. At Busy Bugs we start getting our oldest children ready well in advance, so that by the time the holidays arrive they feel excited rather than worried about what comes next.

Every child handles change differently. Some take a new routine in their stride, while others find unfamiliar places, faces, and expectations harder to manage. For children with additional needs, a change of setting can feel especially unsettling, so we put extra thought into making the move as gentle and predictable as possible. The aim is always the same: a child who walks into their new classroom feeling safe, capable, and ready to learn.

Inside the nursery, transition work becomes part of everyday life during the summer term. The children talk about school with their key person, look at picture books about starting school, and act out the school day through role play, from putting on a coat to sitting together at story time. We also focus on the practical independence that makes the first weeks easier, such as managing their own coat and shoes, using the toilet confidently, washing their hands, and recognising their own name and belongings.

For children with additional needs, we work closely with families and with the receiving school. With your consent, we share your child's profile and any support plans, including EHCP information, so that nothing has to be explained from scratch in September. Where the school can offer transition visits or a chance to look around, we encourage families to take them up, so your child can build a picture of where they are going and arrive already knowing what to expect.

There is a lot you can do at home too, and it does not need to be complicated. Practising the morning routine, getting dressed without too much help, and having lunch from a lunchbox all build useful confidence. If you can walk or drive past the school, talk about it warmly so it becomes a familiar, friendly place rather than an unknown one. Sharing stories about starting school is a lovely way to open up conversations about any worries, and to remind your child of all the exciting things to look forward to.

It is completely normal for children, and parents, to feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. Children often pick up on how the adults around them are feeling, so calm, positive language goes a long way. There is no need to over-prepare or to dwell on every detail. Steady reassurance, a predictable routine, and plenty of encouragement give children the security they need to take the step in their own time.

When the time comes, we make sure your child's learning journey moves with them. With your permission, we pass on our records and observations to the receiving school so that their new teachers understand where your child is and how best to support them from day one. For children with additional needs, that handover is especially important, and we are always happy to speak directly with a school's SENCO to make sure the right support is in place.

If your child is due to start school this September, please talk to their key person. We are glad to answer questions, share ideas, and work through any worries with you. Getting in touch early gives us the best chance to make the move a happy one, and you are always welcome to contact us to chat it through.