Getting Ready for School

Skills that will enable your child to have a positive experience of starting school:
 
  • being able to sit and listen.
  • being able to follow simple, age appropriate instructions and take turns.
  • being able to talk to an adult.
  • being able to able to ask for help.
  • able to express their needs.
  • able to link words to speak in sentences.
  • children should ideally be toilet trained and able to take themselves to the toilet independently.
  • able to put on their own coats and shoes.
  • parents and carers should ensure that school age children are getting good quality sleep and regular bedtime routines. These help children to enjoy the school day and achieve their learning potential.
  • be registered with a dentist and practice good oral health.
  • it is recommended that all children should be registered with an optician and seen as advised.
  • be able to form friendship groups with other children.
  • have received their pre-school booster vaccinations prior to starting school.
  • eat a varied and balanced diet and should be able to engage in energetic pay for at least 60 minutes a day. Click here for more information.
 
Each school will have a named School Nurse team.
 
Each School Nurse team is made up of staff with different mixes of skill, and different members of the team will deliver elements of the school nurse service, according to their skills and competencies.

To find out more about the school nursing service simply click here.

Please explore the following sections for more information:

Nursery and preschool

By the time a child joins a reception class, many children will have already attended nursery or preschool and may be familiar with some of the social aspects of being with other children, e.g. sharing mealtimes, taking turns and communicating with peers. However, some children may have limited experiences of interacting with other children and/or adults and may find that settling into school takes a little longer. If you’re concerned, ask for some advice.

All children over the age of three are entitled to up to 15hrs of funded nursery placement. To apply for this, enquire at your chosen nursery or preschool. Some child-minders also offer funded places.

Funded early learning for 2, 3 and 4 year olds

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to funded early learning, starting at the beginning of the term after their 3rd birthday. Information on the universal and extended free Early Years Learning for 3 and 4 year olds and the link to apply for the 15 hours extended entitlement is available here:

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/childcare/free-childcare-and-help-paying-childcare

Applying for school

Further information about starting school and applying for a school place.

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/schools-and-education/school-admissions

The Red Book (personal child health record)

Your child’s red book is usually given to you at the hospital when they are born. It is the main record of your child’s health and development which professionals should update when a child is seen in a health care setting. It contains lots of information about your child including, immunisations, routine reviews, your child’s firsts and growth charts.
 
The red book belongs to the NHS and you should take care of it and ensure it is available at all contacts with your baby/child when seeing a healthcare professional.

Last updated29 Nov 2024
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