Transitioning from Nursery to School: Readiness Skills and Parent Tips
The transition from nursery to primary school is a significant milestone in a child’s early life, marking the beginning of formal education and introducing a new rhythm, environment, and set of expectations. While this period is filled with excitement and opportunity, it can also be daunting for both children and parents. Being well-prepared can ease anxieties and ensure a smooth, confident start to school life. This article explores essential school readiness skills, the emotional and practical preparations necessary for children, and tips for parents to support this crucial transition.
Understanding School Readiness
School readiness goes beyond knowing letters and numbers. It encompasses a broad range of developmental areas including emotional regulation, social competence, physical independence, language skills, and cognitive abilities. A child is considered “school-ready” when they are equipped with the foundational skills required to thrive in a structured classroom setting.
Key Components of School Readiness
1. Emotional and Social Development - Children should be able to manage basic emotions, follow simple instructions, take turns, and engage with peers positively. The ability to separate from parents or carers with minimal distress is also an important indicator of emotional readiness.
2. Self-care and Independence - Basic self-help skills such as dressing, toileting, washing hands, and feeding themselves play a vital role in helping children cope with the daily routine of school.
3. Communication and Language Skills - Children entering school need to be able to express their needs, listen to others, and follow simple directions. Having a broad vocabulary and confidence in speaking also enhances their ability to form friendships and understand lessons.
4. Cognitive and Problem-solving Skills - Curiosity, the ability to concentrate for short periods, memory, and problem-solving abilities all contribute to successful learning.
5. Physical Development - Gross motor skills (like running, jumping, and climbing) and fine motor skills (such as holding a pencil or using scissors) are crucial for classroom activities and play.
Developing Readiness Skills in Nursery
Nurseries play an essential role in laying the groundwork for school readiness. High-quality early years settings provide a nurturing, structured environment where children gradually build confidence and independence.
Role of Practitioners
Nursery practitioners support the transition by:
● Encouraging social interaction and cooperative play.
● Fostering independence through routines and responsibilities.
● Promoting language development through songs, storytelling, and conversation.
● Providing learning experiences that develop early literacy and numeracy skills.
● Liaising with parents to ensure a consistent approach to readiness at home and in nursery.
Building Confidence Through Routines
Routine gives children a sense of security and predictability, which is especially important as they approach school age. At nursery, routines such as circle time, snack time, and tidy-up time help children understand structure and time management.
Parents can reinforce this at home by:
● Establishing consistent morning and bedtime routines.
● Practising dressing and undressing.
● Encouraging children to tidy up toys and take responsibility for personal belongings.
● Talking through what to expect during the school day.
Supporting Emotional Readiness
Children’s emotional wellbeing plays a major part in how they cope with the school transition. Emotional readiness doesn’t mean a child never feels anxious or shy, but that they are equipped to manage those feelings and seek help when needed.
Strategies to Support Emotional Development
● Acknowledge Feelings: Talk openly about the transition and encourage children to share their feelings, both positive and negative.
● Read Books About Starting School: Stories can be a wonderful way to explore common concerns and model coping strategies.
● Visit the School: Familiarising children with the school environment can ease anxieties and help them visualise what to expect.
● Role Play: Pretending to be at school (taking the register, lining up, doing activities) can demystify routines and build confidence.
Encouraging Social Interaction
Developing social competence is vital. Children must learn to take turns, share, cooperate, and negotiate. They also need to know how to seek help from adults and interact positively with peers.
Nurseries promote social skills through:
● Group games and cooperative tasks.
● Circle time discussions.
● Conflict resolution strategies.
● Praise and positive reinforcement for teamwork.
Parents can support this by arranging playdates, modelling respectful communication, and encouraging inclusive behaviour.
Physical Skills and Coordination
Children need strong fine and gross motor skills to navigate the school environment and participate in classroom activities.
Gross Motor Activities
● Climbing frames, scooters, and obstacle courses help develop coordination and confidence.
● Ball games enhance hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Fine Motor Activities
● Drawing, threading beads, using tweezers, and playing with dough strengthen hand muscles.
● Practising using a knife and fork, zipping a coat, or buttoning shirts builds functional independence.
Literacy and Numeracy Foundations
While formal teaching is not expected before school, early exposure to letters, sounds, numbers, and patterns provides a valuable head start.
Literacy Preparation
● Enjoying books together daily develops a love of reading and enhances vocabulary.
● Singing nursery rhymes improves phonemic awareness.
● Encouraging mark-making helps children understand that symbols carry meaning.
Numeracy Preparation
● Counting objects, recognising shapes, and using everyday maths language (more, less, big, small) introduce core concepts.
● Games like sorting, matching, and puzzles develop logical thinking and pattern recognition.
The Importance of Listening and Concentration
In school, children must listen to instructions, sit still for short periods, and focus on tasks. These skills take time to develop and can be nurtured through structured activities and play.
Ways to develop concentration include:
● Completing simple puzzles or tasks together.
● Playing memory games like “I went to the shop and bought…”
● Using a timer to gradually increase attention span during activities.
Building Resilience and a Growth Mindset
Resilience helps children bounce back from setbacks and persevere with challenges. A growth mindset encourages them to see effort as the path to learning.
Ways to foster resilience include:
● Praising effort rather than outcome.
● Encouraging problem-solving rather than providing all the answers.
● Modelling how to handle mistakes calmly and constructively.
Involving Parents in the Transition
Parents play a critical role in preparing their child for school. The transition is smoother when families feel supported and informed.
Parent Tips for School Readiness
- Talk About School Positively - Speak enthusiastically about school to build excitement and reduce anxiety.
- Practise the School Run - Walk or drive to the school beforehand to get used to the journey and routine.
- Label Everything - Label all clothing and belongings to help children identify their items and foster independence.
- Attend Transition Events - Many schools offer stay-and-play sessions or taster days. Attend as many as possible to build familiarity.
- Encourage Independence - Let children make simple choices and take responsibility for their own things, such as packing their bag or putting on their coat.
- Keep Calm and Confident - Children often reflect parental emotions. Displaying calm and confidence helps reassure your child.
Communication with Schools and Practitioners
Strong communication between nursery staff, parents, and the receiving school ensures continuity and a better understanding of the child’s needs.
Transition documents or meetings help:
● Share developmental progress and strengths.
● Identify areas where extra support may be needed.
● Discuss any special educational needs or health considerations.
Parents should feel empowered to ask questions and share insights about their child’s personality, preferences, and learning style.
Handling the First Few Weeks of School
The first weeks of primary school are a big adjustment. Even children who were excited about starting may show signs of fatigue, mood swings, or reluctance.
Tips for Settling In
● Keep routines consistent and bedtime early.
● Avoid over-scheduling after school.
● Create a calm, reassuring environment at home.
● Celebrate milestones, however small, and talk through challenges.
Recognising Individual Differences
Every child is unique. Some may embrace school eagerly, while others take time to adapt. School readiness isn’t a race, and development varies widely. What matters is supporting each child at their own pace and celebrating their growth.
Avoid comparing your child to others and trust that they will settle in time with the right encouragement, love, and support.
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
For children with additional needs—such as speech delays, sensory processing difficulties, or neurodiverse profiles—the transition to primary school may require more tailored planning. Early identification and close collaboration between nurseries, parents, and the receiving school are essential. Transition meetings, individual support plans, and visits can help ease the shift by ensuring continuity of care and learning strategies. Parents should be encouraged to voice their concerns and aspirations for their child, and schools should respond with flexibility, empathy, and informed approaches.
The Role of Play in the Transition
Play continues to be a vital part of early education, even in the context of preparing for school. Through imaginative, physical, and social play, children practise vital skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and narrative thinking. Nurseries often use play-based learning to introduce early literacy and numeracy, helping children connect learning with enjoyment. Parents can support this at home by providing opportunities for open-ended play and joining in to model vocabulary, extend thinking, and support emotional regulation.
Preparing for Lunchtimes and Mealtimes
Lunchtimes can be a source of anxiety for some children, particularly if they are expected to navigate a dining hall, carry a tray, or make choices independently. To prepare children, nurseries often include snack routines where children pour drinks or serve themselves. Parents can mirror this at home by involving children in preparing packed lunches, practising using lunch boxes, and talking about food preferences. Understanding that lunchtime is also a social experience can help children feel more confident and prepared.
Managing Separation Anxiety
Some children struggle with the emotional strain of separating from their parents, especially in unfamiliar settings. Practising short separations before school starts—such as being left with a relative or during short playgroup sessions—can build confidence. Visual schedules, goodbye routines, and comfort items (like a family photo or a familiar object in their bag) can also offer reassurance. It’s important for parents to stay calm, give clear and brief goodbyes, and trust that children often settle quickly once the day begins.
Supporting Siblings Through the Transition
When younger siblings see their older brother or sister preparing for school, it can stir mixed emotions. They may feel left out or anxious about their own eventual transition. Involving siblings in school preparations—such as helping pack the school bag or walking to the school gates—can help them feel included and understand what to expect in the future. For older siblings, their transition might reignite feelings from when they began school, and open conversations about change and growth can be comforting and affirming.
Celebrating the Transition as a Milestone
The move to primary school is a key milestone, and celebrating it can instil a sense of pride and excitement in children. Creating a memory book, taking a “first day of school” photo, or marking the day with a special breakfast helps make it a positive occasion. Reflection is equally important - talking to children after their first week and encouraging them to share what they enjoyed, learned, or felt proud of helps reinforce their identity as a learner. These shared experiences strengthen the bond between parent and child and promote a lifelong love of learning.
Conclusion
Transitioning from nursery to school is an exciting journey, and with the right foundations in place, children can begin this new chapter full of confidence and curiosity. Readiness is about more than academic skills - it’s about emotional resilience, social understanding, and practical independence. By working together - nurseries, schools, and families - children are given the very best start to their educational journey.
A Final Note from Little Mowgli Nursery
At Little Mowgli Nursery, we understand that the transition to school is a major step for both children and parents. Our experienced team is dedicated to preparing children holistically, nurturing not only academic curiosity but also confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Through structured routines, rich learning experiences, and strong parent partnerships, we ensure that each child leaves Little Mowgli ready to embrace the next stage of their educational journey with enthusiasm and resilience. We are proud to support our families every step of the way and celebrate the wonderful adventure that school life brings.
Leyland, PR25 2DY
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