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Starting School

Starting school is a major transition for children and parents. It brings new routines, longer days, unfamiliar adults, larger groups and increasing independence.

Children do not need to begin school already reading, writing or completing formal work. Being able to communicate basic needs, follow simple routines, manage some personal care and separate from parents with support is often more useful.

This UK guide covers school applications, preparing for reception, practical routines, uniforms, lunches, attendance, wraparound care, additional needs and settling into the first term.

How to Use This Guide

This page offers practical transition ideas and links to official admission, attendance and SEND information. It does not decide whether a child is “school ready”, provide legal advice or replace the school, local authority, education service or a child’s professional support plan.

School starting ages, admissions, deferral, attendance and additional-needs systems differ across the UK.

Official UK Starting-School Routes

Know the School Starting Age

School starting arrangements differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Check the official rules for your area because:

Application dates differ
Admission ages differ
Deferral rules differ
Compulsory school age differs
Reception or primary-one arrangements differ

Official School Application Information

Use the official admissions service for your part of the UK:

Local deadlines and procedures still apply, so check the relevant council, authority or school admissions page.

Apply on Time

Primary school applications usually have a fixed deadline.

Before applying:

Check your local authority or education authority website
Read each school’s admissions policy
Check catchment information
Understand sibling and faith criteria
List preferences in the correct order
Submit supporting evidence where required

Late applications may be considered after on-time applications.

Visit Schools Where Possible

Open days and visits can help parents understand:

School atmosphere
Classroom environment
Outdoor space
Behaviour expectations
Pastoral support
Communication with families
Wraparound care
SEND provision

Read Inspection and Performance Information Carefully

Inspection reports can provide useful context, but they should not be the only factor.

Also consider:

Whether the school suits your child
Travel time
Class size
Support for additional needs
Breakfast and after-school provision
How staff communicate with parents

Understand Reception

In England, many children begin primary school in reception.

Reception usually includes:

Play-based learning
Phonics
Early maths
Stories and language
Outdoor learning
Personal and social development
Physical activity

Equivalent early primary arrangements differ elsewhere in the UK.

School Readiness Is Not a Pass-or-Fail Test

Schools welcome children with different skills, experiences and support needs. A child does not need to meet one unofficial online checklist to deserve a school place or support.

Practical preparation may include opportunities to:

Recognise their belongings or name
Communicate basic needs in their usual way
Follow a short familiar instruction with support
Practise taking turns
Manage clothing and toileting as independently as they can
Open familiar food and drink containers
Experience short separations safely

Tell the school early when the child needs help with communication, toileting, feeding, mobility, medical care, sensory needs or another area.

Children Do Not Need to Read Before School

Some children recognise letters or words before starting, while others do not.

Parents can support learning through:

Reading together
Singing songs and rhymes
Talking during everyday routines
Counting during play
Drawing and mark-making

Practise the School Routine

In the weeks before starting, practise:

Waking at the required time
Getting dressed
Eating breakfast
Leaving home on time
Walking or travelling the school route
Using the toilet before leaving

Visit the School Route

Practise:

Walking safely
Crossing roads
Finding the entrance
Using public transport
Where to park if driving

Allow extra time during the first weeks.

Talk Positively but Realistically

Explain that school will include:

New adults
Other children
Play
Stories
Lunch
Rules and routines

Avoid promising that every day will be perfect or that the child will immediately make a best friend.

Read Books About Starting School

Books can help children discuss:

Separation
Uniform
Lunch
Teachers
Friendships
Toilets

Use Transition Sessions

Schools may offer:

Classroom visits
Stay-and-play sessions
Parent meetings
Home visits
Meet-the-teacher events

Attend where possible and share important information early.

Tell the School About Your Child

Medical conditions
Allergies
Communication needs
Toileting support
Sensory needs
Previous nursery support
Family circumstances affecting wellbeing

For England, the GOV.UK SEND guidance for parents explains school support and education, health and care plans. The legal systems and terminology differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

If your child has identified or suspected additional needs, contact the school before the start date.

Ask about:

The SENCO or equivalent lead
Transition planning
Visual timetables
Communication support
Sensory adjustments
Personal care
Medication
Existing plans and professional reports

School Uniform

Read the current school policy before buying. Check compulsory items, generic alternatives, PE kit, footwear, sensory or medical adjustments and second-hand provision.

For schools in England, GOV.UK states that from September 2026 no more than three compulsory branded items should be required, or four at secondary and middle schools if one is a tie. Schools should also make second-hand uniform available and publish how to obtain it.

Uniform rules and grants differ across the UK. Ask the school privately if costs or a child’s individual needs are creating a barrier.

Buy a Modest Quantity First

A practical starting supply may include:

A small number of shirts or polo shirts
Two or three bottoms
One or two jumpers or cardigans
Required PE kit
Suitable shoes
A coat

Add more once you understand the laundry routine and how quickly items become worn or lost.

Label Everything

Label:

Uniform
Coat
PE kit
Shoes
Water bottle
Lunch box
Book bag

Use the child’s name without adding unnecessary personal information.

Choose Easy Fastenings

School clothes should be manageable for the child.

Useful features include:

Elasticated waists
Simple zips
Velcro shoes
Coats with easy fastenings
PE clothes the child can change into independently

Practise Dressing

Practise:

Putting on a coat
Using a zip
Changing for PE
Turning clothes the right way round
Putting belongings into a bag

School Shoes

Choose shoes that:

Fit correctly
Meet the school policy
Are suitable for daily walking and play
Can be fastened by the child

PE Kit

Check:

Indoor and outdoor requirements
House colours
Footwear
Whether kit stays at school
How often it should be taken home

School Meals

Ask about:

Menus
Meal choices
Allergies
Dietary requirements
Free school meal eligibility
How children order food

Packed Lunches

If sending a packed lunch:

Use a clearly labelled lunch box
Follow the school’s food policy
Use suitable portions
Choose packaging the child can open
Use a cool pack where needed

Practise Opening Containers

Before school, practise:

Opening the lunch box
Opening packets
Using a water bottle
Peeling fruit
Closing containers

Toileting

Practise:

Recognising the need to go
Asking an adult
Managing clothing
Wiping
Flushing
Washing hands

Tell the school about accidents, constipation or additional support needs.

Families in England can check the GOV.UK school attendance and absence guidance. Rules and processes differ elsewhere in the UK, so use the relevant devolved-government and school guidance.

Attendance

Attendance law, authorised absence and enforcement differ across the UK. Follow the school’s reporting process and use the official rules for the nation where the child attends school.

The GOV.UK attendance page applies to England. Families in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should use their national education service and the school or local authority.

Contact the school early when health, anxiety, SEND, bullying, transport or family circumstances are affecting attendance. This guide does not determine whether an absence will be authorised.

Illness

Keep a child at home when required by NHS or school guidance.

Ask about policies covering:

Vomiting and diarrhoea
Fever
Rashes
Infectious illnesses
Head lice
Medication

Medication at School

If the child needs medicine:

Tell the school
Complete required forms
Use original labelled packaging
Provide an emergency plan where needed
Check expiry dates

Safeguarding and Collection

Make sure the school knows:

Who may collect the child
Emergency contacts
Any court or safeguarding arrangements
What to do if you are delayed

Wraparound Care

Breakfast clubs and after-school clubs may be essential for working families.

Ask about:

Availability
Waiting lists
Fees
Food
Activities
Collection times
Holiday provision

Settling In

Some children settle quickly, while others may:

Cry at drop-off
Become tired
Have more tantrums at home
Sleep differently
Need extra reassurance

This can be a normal response to a major transition.

Keep Goodbyes Calm

Use a short predictable routine:

Cuddle
Simple goodbye
Reminder of who will collect
Leave once the goodbye is complete

Strong Emotions After School

Some children appear settled at school and then become tearful, irritable, quiet or overwhelmed after returning home. This description is not a medical diagnosis and can have many possible explanations.

It may help to offer:

A familiar snack and drink
Quiet time
Low-pressure conversation
Movement or outdoor time if the child prefers it
A predictable evening routine

Speak to the teacher, GP or another relevant professional if the change is persistent, severe, affects safety or is accompanied by other concerns.

Do Not Ask Too Many Questions Immediately

Instead of asking “What did you do today?”, try:

“What was your favourite part?”
“Who did you sit near?”
“What made you laugh?”

Some children need time before talking.

Friendships

Young children may:

Change friends often
Play in different groups
Disagree
Need adult help with turn-taking

One difficult day does not necessarily mean there is a serious friendship problem.

Bullying Concerns

Speak to the teacher if there is a repeated pattern of:

Intentional harm
Exclusion
Fear
Threats
Targeted behaviour

Ask what the school has observed and how it will respond.

Communication with the Teacher

Use the school’s preferred method for:

Messages
Appointments
Medical updates
Learning concerns
Changes at home

Avoid trying to discuss complex concerns during a busy morning drop-off.

Reading at Home

Schools may send home books, phonics activities or reading records.

Keep home reading:

Short
Positive
Regular
Free from pressure

Homework

Reception homework is usually limited.

Useful home learning includes:

Reading
Talking
Counting during daily life
Drawing
Outdoor play
Practising independence

School Fatigue

Starting school can be physically and emotionally tiring.

During the first term, consider:

Earlier bedtimes
Fewer evening activities
Quiet weekends
Regular meals and snacks
Time outdoors

When to Ask for Support

Speak to the school if the child:

Remains highly distressed
Is not eating or drinking
Is afraid of a particular person or place
Has repeated toileting problems
Shows major sleep or behaviour changes
Is not accessing learning

For England, parents can also read the statutory guidance on the cost of school uniform. Individual school policies and devolved arrangements still apply.

Buying School Items Preloved

Suitable preloved items may include:

Uniform
PE kit
Coats
Book bags
Lunch bags
Reading books
Wellies

Check Preloved School Items

Before buying, check:

Current school logo
Exact size
Condition
Name labels
Fastenings
School policy

Starting 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 school uniform, PE kits, coats, book bags, lunch bags, books and other school items. Confirm the school’s current policy, logo, colours, measurements and product condition before purchase.

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 schools or decide whether an item satisfies a school policy.

A Starting School Checklist

Apply before the deadline
Visit the school where possible
Attend transition sessions
Share medical and SEND information
Read the uniform policy
Label all belongings
Practise dressing and toileting
Practise the school route
Arrange meals and wraparound care
Expect tiredness during the first term

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a child need to read before starting school?

No. Reading together, talking, play and practical independence are more important than formal teaching before school begins.

How much uniform should I buy?

Start with a modest quantity and buy more once you understand the school routine and laundry needs.

What if my child cries at drop-off?

Use a calm, predictable goodbye and ask the teacher how quickly the child settles after you leave.

Should I tell the school about toileting accidents?

Yes. Share any support needs, constipation concerns or medical issues so the school can plan appropriately.

Can starting-school items be bought preloved?

Yes. Uniform, PE kit, coats and bags can be good-value preloved purchases when they match the current school policy and are in suitable condition.