What does it mean to be school ready?

So what does ‘school readiness’ mean? The direct translation is ‘is my child ready to start school?’ or 'are they ready for Reception?' Depending on the approach used in early childhood education there will be an impact on how ‘ready’ a child is by a particular age. Here, at Rockbeare Preschool, our curriculum has been developed to give your child the best possible start in preparation for their Reception year.

Please bear in mind that 'school readiness' may be age-related. Your child will be ready in their own time, all children develop at their own pace and as long as support is in place to help them in their journey towards responsible self-care and self-regulation. The rest will come in time. 

School readiness:

•  Between the ages of four and five, children should be prepared to be separated from their parent or main carer.
•  Children should be able to clearly demonstrate their ability to listen and follow age-appropriate instructions
•  Children should show an interest in a variety of subjects, paying attention to the subject or activity they are taking part in
• Children should have enough of a range of vocabulary and language to express their needs, feelings, thoughts or ideas
• Children should be able to identify themselves by name, age, state factors in their life, name family members etc…
• To be able to interact in an age-appropriate way with another child or adult
• Children should be able to interact, share and play, taking responsibility for their actions, understanding repercussions for their actions
• Focus on and also show interest in the work they are undertaking
• To be able to observe, notice, discuss and ask questions about their environment and experiences
• To be able to engage with books, have some understanding of words and language
• Respond to boundary setting
• Vocalise their needs such as toileting, thirst, hunger, illness etc…

As a parent or carer, you would hope that your child has all of these abilities upon starting Reception. In reality, for many children the above list is a work in progress. The provision on offer at our Nursery will support your child in making their next steps to be 'school ready'. 

Parents who feel they have a child who is behind or struggling to meet some of the ‘school readiness’ markers should contact their health visitor, GP, Nursery SENCO. Who are all well placed to provide the early intervention required to support parents and children through the transition from toddlerhood, pre-school years and on into later childhood.