🎒Your Essential Guide to Starting Primary School in September 2025
- Start Well Learning
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12

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, reducing stress for everyone.

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 velcro fastenings
Packed-lunch trial runs: lunchtime lasts around 30 mins—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 with 12 hours of sleep—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.

4. Talk, Play, Read—Every Day!
Help your child build language, social understanding, and curiosity through:
Sharing daily story time
Reading books about starting school—https://usborne.com/gb/books/browse-by-category/starting-school
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, underlining the excitement around school beginnings.
5. Familiarisation: Make School ‘Home’ Before Term
Visit the school together—look at the classrooms, playground, toilets, lunch hall. Most schools offer transition sessions where children meet staff and play in their Reception classroom . Familiarity builds comfort!

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
7. Involve Your Child—Let Them Choose!
Boost excitement by allowing your child to:
Pick school supplies—pencils, water bottles, 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 the control they’ll need in school routines.

8. Nutrition, Sleep & Tech Balance
A healthy foundation is essential:
Sleep: Regular bedtimes ensure 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
🍼 9. Online & Local Resources
Here are four top-quality, trusted resources for deeper guidance:
Parent-kind “Be School Ready” hub
Packed with emotional prep, playful activities, and downloads
Cheshire West & Chester: Starting Primary School
(2025 guide) – terms, admissions, settle-in info.
Sharing Parenting: “Preparing for your child to start school” Independence tips and lunchtime confidence strategies
MadeForMums: “Top tips for the first day of school”
Practical items to prep, routines, 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!
