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Nursery and School

Starting nursery or school is a major transition for children and families. It introduces new routines, relationships, expectations, environments and practical responsibilities.

This page focuses on helping families understand and manage the child’s journey through nursery and school. It is different from the broader childcare guide, which compares childcare providers, contracts, fees and care arrangements.

Education systems, terminology, admission processes, inspection bodies and additional-needs arrangements differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Always use the official guidance for the nation and local authority where the child lives.

How to Use This Guide

This page provides practical questions and signposting. It does not recommend a nursery or school, determine admissions or attendance law, diagnose a child’s needs, decide entitlement to an adjustment or replace a complaint, safeguarding or professional support process.

Education, inspection, SEND, attendance and home-education rules differ across the UK. Use the official information for the child’s nation and local authority.

Trusted UK Information

Understanding Nursery and School Stages

Depending on the UK nation and local system, a child may attend:

Day nursery
Preschool or playgroup
Nursery class
Maintained nursery school
Reception or equivalent first school year
Primary school
Secondary school

Names, starting ages and funded arrangements vary. Check the local authority and chosen setting rather than relying on information from another part of the UK.

Nursery Is Not the Same as Compulsory School

Nursery attendance is generally optional, even where funded hours are available.

Once a child reaches compulsory school age, parents must ensure the child receives a suitable education under the rules applying in their nation.

Choosing a Nursery or School

Consider:

Distance from home
Travel route
Opening and finishing times
Wraparound care
Environment
Class or group size
Outdoor space
Additional-needs support
Language provision
Meals
Communication with families

Visit Before Deciding

During a visit, observe:

How adults speak to children
Whether children appear engaged
How staff respond to distress
Classroom organisation
Outdoor areas
Toilet access
Security
Noise levels
Accessibility

Questions to Ask

What is the daily routine?
How are children helped to settle?
How are parents updated?
How are allergies managed?
How is SEND or additional learning support organised?
What happens if a child is upset?
How are safeguarding concerns handled?
What wraparound care is available?

Inspection Reports

Use the official inspectorate for the nation where the setting operates. A report can provide information about leadership, education, care, safeguarding and required improvements, but it is only one part of choosing a setting.

Check the inspection date, the service and address, any subsequent action, leadership changes and whether a newer report or status is available.

Do not treat an old rating as a guarantee of current quality or safety.

Read Beyond the Overall Rating

Check:

The inspection date
The report details
Any required actions
Whether leadership has changed
Whether a follow-up inspection has taken place

School Applications

For state school places, families usually apply through the relevant local authority or national system.

For England and Wales, the GOV.UK primary school application service directs families to the correct council route.

Keep Application Records

Application deadline
Schools selected
Supporting documents
Submission reference
Offer date
Acceptance deadline
Appeal deadline where relevant

Admissions Criteria

Schools may consider criteria such as:

Looked-after or previously looked-after status
Medical or social need
Siblings
Distance
Faith criteria
Defined catchment areas

Read the exact published criteria for each school.

Do Not Assume the Nearest School Is Guaranteed

Living nearby may increase priority under some admission arrangements, but it does not always guarantee a place.

School Offers and Appeals

If the preferred school is not offered:

Read the decision carefully
Accept another place by the deadline where appropriate
Check waiting-list rules
Review appeal information
Seek independent advice if needed

Starting Nursery

Before the first session:

Complete forms
Provide emergency contacts
Share medical and allergy information
Explain toileting needs
Label belongings
Confirm meals and snacks
Agree collection permissions
Attend settling sessions

Starting School

Preparation may include:

Visiting the school
Meeting the teacher
Practising the journey
Trying on uniform
Practising dressing
Using a lunchbox
Opening a water bottle
Using the toilet independently where possible

Settling-In Sessions

Settling may involve:

Short visits
Meeting a key person
Looking at photographs
A visual routine
A familiar comfort item where permitted
Gradually longer sessions

Separation Anxiety

Some children separate quickly, while others need more time.

It may help to:

Use a predictable goodbye
Keep the goodbye calm and brief
Tell the child who will collect them
Avoid disappearing without saying goodbye
Ask the setting when it will provide an update

Persistent Distress

If distress continues over time:

Ask when it happens
Ask how long it lasts
Check whether there are sensory or communication difficulties
Review the transition plan
Ask whether additional support is needed

Daily Nursery Routine

A nursery day may include:

Arrival and registration
Free play
Group activities
Meals and snacks
Outdoor play
Rest or sleep
Stories and songs
Collection

Daily School Routine

A school day may include:

Registration
Lessons
Break times
Lunch
Assemblies
PE
Reading
Home time

Morning Preparation

Check the school or nursery message system
Prepare clothing
Pack lunch where needed
Fill the water bottle
Pack books or homework
Include PE kit where required
Allow enough travel time

Collection Arrangements

The setting should know:

Who normally collects
Who else has permission
Any password or identification arrangement
Any court order or safeguarding restriction
What happens if a parent is delayed

Late Collection

If delayed:

Contact the setting immediately
Use an authorised alternative collector where possible
Follow the setting’s late-collection procedure
Expect possible charges where stated in the policy

Attendance

Attendance law, authorised absence and enforcement differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Follow the school’s absence-reporting procedure and check the official rules for the nation where the child attends school. Contact the school early when illness, SEND, anxiety, bullying, bereavement, transport or family circumstances are affecting attendance.

This page does not decide whether an absence is authorised or provide legal advice.

Reporting Absence

Follow the school’s procedure and provide:

Child’s name
Class
Reason for absence
Expected return date where known
Relevant medical information

Illness

Ask the setting for its illness and exclusion policy.

It may cover:

Fever
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Contagious infections
Rashes
Head lice
Return after illness

Use NHS or local public-health guidance when medical advice is needed.

Difficulty Attending School

A child may struggle to attend for many possible reasons, including health, anxiety, bullying, sensory demands, learning needs, separation, transport or family circumstances.

This page cannot diagnose the reason. Speak to the child calmly, record patterns and contact the school early to request a support meeting and review plan.

A GP, school nurse, SEND professional or another service may need to assess an individual concern. Seek urgent mental health help when a child may harm themselves or another person, and call 999 for immediate danger.

Communication with Nursery or School

Settings may communicate through:

Email
Apps
Text messages
Paper letters
Parent portals
Meetings
Learning journals

Keep Contact Details Current

Update:

Phone numbers
Email addresses
Home address
Emergency contacts
Collection permissions
Medical details

Raise Concerns Clearly

When contacting staff:

State the main concern
Provide dates and examples
Explain the impact
Ask what action will be taken
Agree a review date

Use the Right Contact

Possible contacts include:

Key person
Class teacher
Form tutor
Head of year
SENCO or equivalent
Designated safeguarding lead
Headteacher

Parents’ Evenings

Useful questions include:

What is going well?
What is the next learning step?
How does the child manage socially?
Is attendance affecting progress?
Does the child need additional support?
What can be practised at home?

Nursery Updates

For younger children, ask about:

Meals
Naps
Nappies or toileting
Mood
Activities
Accidents
New skills

Meals and Snacks

Ask:

What food is provided
Whether menus are available
How allergens are managed
Whether packed lunches are allowed
Whether meals cost extra
How selective eating is supported

Food Allergies

A diagnosed allergy should be supported by a clear individual plan.

Confirm:

Allergens
Cross-contact precautions
Emergency medicine
Staff training
Trips and celebrations
Where medicine is stored

Follow the child’s professional healthcare plan. Do not replace it with general online advice.

School Meals and Packed Lunches

Check:

Meal eligibility
Menus
Payment arrangements
Allergy procedures
Packed-lunch policy
Whether lunchboxes are refrigerated

Uniform and Clothing

Read the current setting policy before buying.

Check:

Compulsory items
Logo requirements
PE kit
Footwear
Outdoor clothing
Jewellery
Seasonal options

Label Everything

Label:

Coats
Jumpers
PE kit
Shoes
Water bottles
Lunchboxes
Bags

Lost Property

When an item goes missing:

Check the classroom
Check PE bags
Check after-school care
Visit lost property promptly
Ask staff where unclaimed items are stored

Toileting

Tell the setting about:

Potty training
Constipation
Bedwetting on residential trips
Continence products
Help with fastenings
Medical or sensory needs

Children should not be shamed or punished for accidents.

Medication

Follow the setting’s medicine policy.

Provide:

Medicine in original labelled packaging
Written consent
Clear dose instructions
Emergency care plan where needed
Current contact details

Safeguarding

Every setting should have safeguarding procedures.

Parents should know:

Who the safeguarding lead is
How concerns are reported
How visitors are managed
How collection is controlled
How allegations against staff are handled
How photographs and data are used

If a Child Discloses Harm

Stay calm
Listen
Take the child seriously
Do not promise secrecy
Avoid leading questions
Record the child’s words accurately
Report the concern promptly

Immediate Danger

Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.

For other safeguarding concerns, contact the setting’s safeguarding lead and the relevant local authority children’s social care service where appropriate.

Bullying

Possible signs include:

Reluctance to attend
Missing belongings
Unexplained injuries
Sleep difficulty
Withdrawal
Sudden friendship changes

Responding to Bullying Concerns

Listen without blaming
Record dates and examples
Contact the setting
Ask for the anti-bullying policy
Agree actions
Set a review date

Friendships

Children may need help with:

Joining play
Taking turns
Resolving disagreements
Recognising unsafe behaviour
Managing changing friendship groups

Behaviour Policies

Ask how the setting responds to:

Hitting
Biting
Disruption
Unsafe behaviour
Repeated distress
Exclusion from activities

Children should not be humiliated, threatened or physically punished.

SEND and Additional Learning Needs

A child may need support with:

Communication
Learning
Attention
Mobility
Sensory processing
Social interaction
Emotional regulation

Families in England can use the official GOV.UK SEND guidance.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use different systems and terminology.

Who to Speak To

Possible contacts include:

Key person
Class teacher
SENCO
Additional learning needs coordinator
Pupil support lead
Headteacher

Preparing for a SEND Meeting

Write down strengths
Write down concerns
Bring reports
Provide examples
Ask what support is already in place
Ask how progress will be measured
Agree a review date

Reasonable Adjustments

Possible adjustments may involve:

Uniform
Seating
Toileting
Communication
Transitions
Sensory breaks
Access to buildings
Alternative formats

Medical Needs

Children with significant medical needs may require a written plan covering:

Medicine
Emergency response
Personal care
Feeding
Mobility
Trips
Staff training

Language Support

Families can ask about:

Interpreters
Translated information
Support for children learning English
Use of the home language
British Sign Language access
Easy-read materials

Homework and Reading

Ask:

How often homework is set
How long it should take
Where instructions are posted
What to do if the child struggles
How reading is recorded

Do Not Complete Work for the Child

Support may include:

Reading instructions
Breaking the task into steps
Providing a quiet space
Noting genuine difficulty for the teacher

School Trips

Before a trip:

Read the letter
Return consent forms
Check clothing
Confirm food arrangements
Provide medicine through school procedures
Check departure and return times
Tell staff about accessibility needs

Residential Trips

Discuss:

Sleeping arrangements
Toileting
Bedwetting
Medication
Allergies
Dietary needs
Phone contact
Homesickness

Clubs and Wraparound Care

Check:

Registration
Fees
Collection arrangements
Safeguarding
Food
Medical support
Cancellation rules

Transition from Nursery to School

Helpful steps include:

Sharing information between settings
Visiting the school
Looking at photographs
Practising routines
Preparing uniform
Discussing worries
Confirming additional support

Information to Transfer

Relevant information may include:

Development and learning
Communication
Medical needs
Allergies
Toileting
SEND support
Safeguarding information

Transition to Secondary School

Preparation may include:

Practising the journey
Using a timetable
Organising equipment
Managing several teachers
Using lockers
Planning homework
Understanding online systems

Moving School

When moving:

Contact the current school
Apply through the correct process
Transfer records
Return books and equipment
Update transport
Prepare the child emotionally
Confirm SEND or medical support

Home Education

Home education is a legal and educational choice with different rules and guidance across the UK. Do not withdraw a child from school based only on a general webpage.

Check the child’s current school status, any special-school placement, attendance order, additional-needs plan and local-authority process before acting. Seek nation-specific advice for the family’s circumstances.

Complaints

If a concern is not resolved informally:

Read the setting’s complaints policy
Write down what happened
Include dates and evidence
State the outcome requested
Follow each stage
Keep copies

Do Not Use the Ordinary Complaints Route for Immediate Danger

Safeguarding or emergency concerns should be reported immediately through the appropriate safeguarding, local authority, regulator or police route.

When to Contact the Inspectorate

Use the setting’s published complaints process for ordinary concerns unless the issue requires a different urgent route.

The relevant inspectorate or regulator may accept information about systemic concerns, registration, leadership, education, care or safeguarding. It may not resolve an individual contractual, employment or admissions dispute.

Read the inspectorate’s current complaint or concern guidance before submitting information. Use safeguarding or police routes immediately where a child may be at risk, and call 999 for immediate danger.

Product Safety in Nursery and School

Parents can raise concerns about damaged or recalled:

Highchairs
Toys
Outdoor equipment
Furniture
Electrical items
Sleep equipment

Search exact models in the UK Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls database.

Nursery and School Items on Kidora

Kidora is a UK-only marketplace where parents can buy and sell new and preloved baby and children’s items.

Families may find nursery bags, spare clothing, waterproofs, school uniform, PE kit, books, lunchboxes and water bottles. Confirm the setting’s current policy, measurements, condition, hygiene, personal labels and official recalls where relevant.

Sellers pay no selling fees and keep 100% of the item sale price. Buyers pay a mandatory Buyer Protection fee on paid purchases, shown before checkout.

Suitable items can be listed at £0 as FREE rather than being thrown away, helping another local family. FREE listings are collection-only and do not include a Buyer Protection fee.

Kidora does not inspect, recommend or guarantee nurseries or schools and does not decide whether an item meets a policy.

A Nursery and School Checklist

Check the correct application process
Visit the setting
Read inspection information
Complete medical and emergency forms
Agree collection permissions
Prepare settling-in arrangements
Label belongings
Understand attendance rules
Know who to contact
Discuss SEND and medical needs
Read safeguarding and complaints policies
Prepare carefully for transitions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a primary school place?

Use the official local-authority or national route. GOV.UK directs families in England and Wales to the relevant council application service.

What should I do if my child struggles to settle?

Ask when distress occurs, agree a consistent goodbye routine and review whether sensory, communication, health or additional-support needs are involved.

Who should I contact about additional needs?

Start with the key person, class teacher, SENCO or equivalent additional-needs lead and request a meeting with agreed actions and a review date.

What should I do if my child is being bullied?

Listen, record dates and examples, contact the setting, ask for its anti-bullying policy and agree how the situation will be reviewed.

Where can I check a school inspection report?

Use the official inspectorate for England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and check the inspection date as well as the detailed findings.

What if I have a safeguarding concern?

Contact the setting’s safeguarding lead and the relevant local authority service where appropriate. Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.