Get Ready for School: Essential Tips for September 2025

As September 2025 approaches, countless children in Winsford, Northwich, Moulton, Davenham—and beyond—are preparing to leap from preschool into the big wide world of Reception. It’s an exciting milestone for your child and a sentimental turning point for you. To help families feel confident and ready, here’s a fresh and friendly guide packed with school readiness tips, starting primary school advice, and school preparation tips UK all in one place!

🌟 1. Why School Readiness Matters

The Department for Education and early years experts emphasise that school readiness isn’t just about knowing your ABCs. It’s about confidence, resilience, independence, and emotional wellbeing. A recent initiative outlines a checklist that includes:

• Using a knife and fork

• Toileting independently

• Taking turns and recognising their name

• Hanging up coats and washing hands properly

  
  

Becoming familiar with these skills helps children feel secure and supported. This, in turn, reduces stress for everyone involved.

School Morning Routine

2. Start Simple—Routines Rule

Begin easing into your school-like routines 4–6 weeks before term:

• Wake Up and Breakfast: Replicate school times to avoid rushed mornings.

• School Uniform Practice: Practice buttoning shirts, tying shoes, or using Velcro fastenings.

• Packed-Lunch Trial Runs: Lunchtime lasts around 30 minutes. Encourage your child to use cutlery at the table with minimal distractions.

  
  

A gentle bedtime routine is equally vital. Experts recommend a 7 PM bedtime, ensuring 12 hours of sleep. This is perfect for busy early years brains.

3. Independence: Small Skills, Big Confidence

Encourage independence through practical daily tasks:

• Dressing themselves (coats, shoes)

• Washing and drying hands

• Going to the toilet unassisted (elasticated waistbands help!)

• Tidying up after playtime

• Recognising their full name on labels

• Opening lunch items and using cutlery properly

  
  

When children master these small wins, they walk into school ready to shine with confidence.

Children Getting Ready For School

4. Talk, Play, Read—Every Day!

Help your child build language skills, social understanding, and curiosity through:

• Sharing daily story time

• Reading books about starting school—Usborne Starting School Books

• Role-playing routines (“coat on, lunchbox ready”)

• Visiting the local library for free summer events

• Simple number and word games for practice at home

  
  

These activities foster learning and emotional readiness. They also highlight the excitement around school beginnings.

Building Relationships with School Staff

There's a wealth of information available to ease the transition. Make connections early with school staff. Strong partnerships with teachers can influence your child’s comfort and success during this crucial time. Attend school events, introductions, and meetings to familiarize yourselves with the environment and staff.

5. Familiarisation: Make School ‘Home’ Before Term

Visit the school together. Explore the classrooms, playground, toilets, and lunch hall. Most schools offer transition sessions where children can meet staff and play in their Reception classroom. Familiarity builds comfort and helps ease nerves on the first day.

Manage First Day School Nerves

6. Manage Nerves with Positivity and Routine

Nervousness is completely normal—for both parents and children. You can help by:

• Being positive about school—share happy school memories (even the wobbly bits!)

• Establishing a morning goodbye routine—a hug, high-five, or special phrase

• Keeping farewells calm and confident—trust that teachers will help

• Providing a safe after-school outlet: snack, chat time, calm play

• Tips for parents: Don’t hide your anxiety—your child looks to you for reassurance

  
  

By focusing on the positives, you help alleviate anxieties.

7. Involve Your Child—Let Them Choose!

Boost excitement by allowing your child to:

• Pick school supplies—pencils, water bottles, and backpacks.

• Select a school lunchbox or fun folder—they love ownership.

• Pack their bag together by spreading the tasks.

  
  

Involving them gives them a sense of control over their school routines. Additionally, it fosters a greater connection to their new environment.

Early Years Healthy Food

8. Nutrition, Sleep & Tech Balance

A healthy foundation is essential. You can ensure this by focusing on:

• Sleep: Regular bedtimes lead to better energy and emotional strength.

• Nutrition: Nutritious snacks and lunches support learning and mood.

• Screen-Time Limits: Too much can disrupt sleep and focus. Keep it balanced.

  
  

It's crucial to find that middle ground with technology usage during this transitional period.

🍼 9. Online & Local Resources

Here are four top-quality, trusted resources for deeper guidance:

1. Parent-kind “Be School Ready” hub

   Packed with emotional prep, playful activities, and downloads

   
   

2. Cheshire West & Chester: Starting Primary School

   (2025 guide) – terms, admissions, settle-in info.

   
   

3. Sharing Parenting: “Preparing for your child to start school”

   Independence tips and lunchtime confidence strategies

   
   

4. MadeForMums: “Top tips for the first day of school”

   Practical items to prep, routines, and emotional support ideas

   
   

💌 Final Thoughts for September

• Expect fatigue—early evenings and calm routines help.

• Celebrate new friendships and small wins (“I did PE today!”).

• Engage with the school: parent evenings, newsletters, Seesaw messages.

• Talk openly about feelings—both you and your child.

• Keep supporting independence—it’s the secret to school confidence!

  
  

Be School Ready 2025