Preparing to Start School

Starting school is an exciting milestone for your child and for you as a family. At Francis Baily Primary School, we want every child to feel confident, happy and ready to learn from the moment they join us. This page brings together helpful guidance, practical ideas and key information to support you in the months before your child begins their school journey.

Welcome to Francis Baily

We can’t wait to welcome your child into our school family. Starting school can feel both exciting and a little uncertain (for children and parents alike) but we are here to support you every step of the way. Helping children practise key skills and routines before September makes a big difference to their confidence and independence when they arrive.

How You Can Help Your Child Get Ready

Everyday Independence Skills

Building independence helps children settle more smoothly into school life. Before September, please support your child to practise.

Tasks:

Writing their name – using a capital letter only at the start. Stray capital letters can be hard to unlearn later
Getting dressed independently – including coats, jumpers, socks and shoes (Velcro is ideal, but practising shoelaces is helpful too)
Using the toilet independently – wiping properly, flushing, washing hands, and (for boys) using urinals correctly
Managing their school bag – putting it on their back, opening/closing zips, and recognising their belongings
Personal hygiene – blowing noses, washing hands and brushing teeth
Using cutlery – eating with a knife, fork and spoon during meals.

Early Literacy, Numeracy & Fine Motor Skills

Simple, everyday experiences help build early learning foundations.

Tasks:
Reading & Language

Share bedtime stories
Talk about their day
Sing nursery rhymes and songs.

Early Maths

Count objects
Play number games
Notice shapes, patterns and numbers in the environment.

Fine Motor Skills

Drawing, colouring, creating with Playdough
Cutting with scissors
Building with blocks and construction toys.

Social & Emotional Readiness

Feeling safe, understood and confident helps children settle into a new environment.

Tasks:
Your child can practise:

Taking turns and sharing during games and play with friends
Listening to simple instructions through fun, structured activities
Talking about feelings and naming emotions.

Preparing for the First Day

Tasks The Night Before:

Lay out their uniform together
Pack their school bag
Keep the evening calm, with an early bedtime

Tasks On the Morning:

Keep routines positive and reassuring
Offer a healthy breakfast
Give a confident, brief goodbye at drop-off

Tasks After School:

Don’t overwhelm them with questions
Ask about their day gently and positively
Praise their effort — starting school is a big step!

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

It is completely normal for children to need time to settle into new routines.

You may notice:

Tiredness – school days are full of new experiences
Adjustment time – settling into friendships and routines
Questions – children processing new experiences.

A consistent drop-off and pick-up routine helps enormously. We will share updates with you and are always happy to answer any questions.