Starting Nursery is an exciting milestone for children and their families. Every child develops at their own pace, and nursery readiness is not about being able to do everything before starting Nursery. It is about developing the confidence, independence and skills that help children settle happily, build relationships and enjoy learning.

What does Nursery readiness look like?

There are some helpful signs that your child is beginning to develop the skills they will use throughout their Nursery day:

Social and Emotional Development

• Can separate from a parent or carer with reassurance, without becoming overly distressed.
• Is beginning to play alongside other children.
• Can engage in an activity independently for around 5–10 minutes.
• Is beginning to recognise and express different feelings.

Communication and Language

• Understands and responds to simple instructions, such as “sit down” or “come here”.
• Uses words, gestures, sounds or signs to communicate basic needs.
• Enjoys listening to stories, songs and rhymes.
• Is beginning to take part in simple conversations and interactions with adults and other children.

Independence and Self-Care

• Is becoming increasingly independent with toileting.
• Can manage some aspects of snack and lunchtime, such as using a spoon or fork and drinking from a cup or bottle.
• Is beginning to follow a simple daily routine.
• Has a go at putting on or taking off their coat and managing simple fastenings.
• Is learning to look after their own belongings.

Physical Development

• Can move safely around a room and navigate around furniture and other children.
• Enjoys running, climbing, balancing and other active play.
• Is developing coordination through activities such as building, threading, puzzles and mark-making.
• Is beginning to hold crayons, pencils and other tools using their fingers rather than a whole-fist grip.

How can you help your child get ready?

There are lots of simple things you can practise at home through everyday activities and play.

Encourage independence

• Let your child have a go at putting on and taking off their coat.
• Practise using zips, buttons and shoes.
• Encourage them to look after their belongings.
• Give them time to try things independently before offering help.

Build communication and language

• Talk to your child about what you are doing and what they can see.
• Read stories together every day.
• Sing nursery rhymes and songs.
• Encourage your child to listen and follow simple instructions.
• Give them plenty of opportunities to talk, ask questions and express their needs and feelings.

Develop social skills

• Encourage sharing and turn-taking.
• Help your child learn to wait for short periods.
• Talk about different emotions and how we can respond to them.
• Give your child opportunities to play with other children.

Support physical development

• Encourage outdoor play, running, climbing and balancing.
• Provide opportunities for drawing, colouring, painting, building and using playdough.
• Let your child practise using child-friendly cutlery and opening lunch boxes and containers.

Make time for play
Children learn through play and everyday experiences. Imaginative play, puzzles, construction, messy play, cooking, drawing, stories and exploring outdoors all help children develop the skills they need for Nursery.

Most importantly...

There is no checklist that every child needs to complete before starting Nursery. Children develop at different rates, and some skills will continue to develop once they are with us.

The most important things you can give your child are love, encouragement, opportunities to practise new skills and plenty of time to play and explore. Celebrate their attempts and progress and allow them to develop at their own pace.

We look forward to working together with families to help every child feel happy, confident, independent and ready to learn as they begin their Nursery journey.