Helpful tips to get children ready to start school

Childcare, health and education professionals from across the city have put together five top tips to help make sure children who are starting school for the first time in September are ready.

Childcare, health and education professionals from across the city have put together five top tips to help make sure children who are starting school for the first time in September are ready. And for the first time this year, there are also tips for young people starting secondary school.

Councillor Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, explained: “Starting a new school for the first time is immensely exciting, but it can also be a challenging time.

“It’s natural to have some concerns and we hope that our top tips will point parents and carers to key areas of development that they might be able to help their young child with, as well as supporting young people with their move to secondary school.”

Five top tips for starting primary school:

1. Get your child used to dressing and undressing themselves
2. Teach your child how to go to the toilet on their own, including sorting out their clothing, wiping and handwashing afterwards
3. Encourage your child to use a knife and fork at mealtimes
4. Encourage your child to sit and listen to a story and talk about the book for a few minutes at a time.
5. Help your child learn to take turns and follow simple instructions

Five top tips for starting secondary school:

1. Don’t worry if you feel excited and a bit nervous about moving school, it’s really normal to feel a bit of both
2. Try to get used to your new school before you start in September

3. Practise your new journey to school before your first day so you feel confident
4. Don’t worry about doing things wrong or getting lost at first, remember it’s really normal to make mistakes
5. Chat to someone you trust, like a family member or friend, if you’re worried

The council’s Healthy Child Service is able to offer advice on a wide range of issues for children and young people, including how to introduce school readiness activities at home.

They can be contacted on 01904 555475 or by emailing HCS-Secure@york.gov.uk

More information, including links to further advice and support, is available at www.york.gov.uk/StartingSchool