How school-ready is your child? Complete our check-in to find out.

Teachers said 37% of children starting Reception were not school-ready according to a 2025 survey by Kindred².

School readiness isn’t about ticking every box – it’s about building confidence in the small, everyday moments that help your child feel comfortable, curious and ready to take that next step.

Our short school readiness check-in is shaped by what we see every day in our nurseries. It’s designed to give you a helpful snapshot of your child’s development, along with simple, practical ways to support them at home.

SCHOOL READINESS CHECK-IN

Complete our school readiness check-in and receive our free Next Stop School tracker.

Our 1-minute school-readiness check-in, created by Early Years (EYFS) professionals, gives you a helpful snapshot of how prepared your child is to start school. Once you’ve completed it, we’ll send you a free tracker in the post – a fun, practical way to follow your child’s milestones together, celebrate their progress and build confidence every step of the way.

NSS - Journey tracker

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How our Next Stop School approach helps.

With around 28% of children starting primary school unable to eat and drink independently, and 25% having difficulty with basic life skills such as independent toilet trips according to Kindred², there is work to be done in the early years sector.

Our Next Stop School approach empowers each child with the skills they need to thrive, while keeping you closely connected to their journey. Through termly parents’ evenings, parents stay informed with regular updates on your child’s development, alongside ongoing milestone communications – so you they know what’s next and how best to support them at home.

Each child receives a tracker to help them plot their progress towards ‘big school’, turning everyday achievements into visible milestones they can feel proud of. It’s a simple, engaging way to build confidence, celebrate progress and support the skills that matter most for a smooth, happy start to school.

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What our parents say about our Next Stop School approach

"The most professional, friendly and supportive team. They always go above and beyond to support wherever they can, always having time to listen. Claire, Jodie & Kirsty were incredibly supportive with my older son's transition to school. I can't thank them enough as he's now thriving at school! My younger son is thriving and has secure bonds with all the team at the nursery, always happy to go in for the day."

Mother of child

"We absolutely love Sixpenny Day Nursery and couldn't recommend it enough. My daughter attended from the age of one right through to starting school, and my son is currently there and just about to start preschool and both have always been more than accommodated. The staff are amazing in every room, so friendly, supportive and always going above and beyond for the children. They put on lovely events throughout the year, which the children really enjoy, and there's always something fun and engaging happening. Both of my children have been incredibly happy here and have grown so much during their time at Sixpenny. It truly feels like a home from home, and I always feel confident knowing my children are being well cared for."

Mother of child

"Our son started at HDC in Sept 2023 and has moved up through all four rooms. As a family we have had a fantastic experience throughout. All the staff have been so friendly, kind and patient. The communication has been excellent and our son has thrived at the nursery. He absolutely loves attending and has made some very special bonds with staff and peers. He loves being outside and the outside space at the nursery is exceptionally and this has certainly been a highlight of his time there. He has had so many opportunities both within the nursery setting and in the wider community, these have helped to built his confidence and provide a fantastic foundation towards his next steps at school. We cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for our son and us as a family and we will be sad for him to be leaving."

Mother of child

Ready for school tips

Working together with our children and parents is an exciting and rewarding time as we see the children off onto their next learning stage.  There are many ways you can support the transition from nursery to school at home.

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School uniform

Help your child start to picture themselves at their new setting with a photo of them in their new uniform proudly displayed on the fridge

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Play dates

Try planning a play date, where children can become comfortable developing friendships with those that will be going to the same school

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New routine

Prepare new routines by getting up and going to bed at certain times, getting dressed and having meals at a certain time

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Talk to your child

Talking to your child about your own positive experiences of school can be reassuring – do you have an old photo?

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School visits

Physically visiting the school is a big step, the more times they can visit the better

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Name recognition

Some schools ask children to locate their own peg. You can prepare for this by putting their name on their bedroom door (and wherever else you’re willing) to help them recognise it

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Encourage independence

Prepared for group lunchtimes by ensuring they always eat at a table, have access to their own cutlery and pour their own drinks. Children should also try using a tissue to blow their nose, dress themselves and be fully toilet trained

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Develop fine motorskills

You can help develop these further at home by playing with small objects, such as Lego, beads and puzzles. Practising activities such as tying shoelaces and using a knife and fork also require strong fine motor skills

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Practice listening

At school, children will be expected to listen to their teacher’s instructions in order to carry out activities in and out of the classroom. In order to help develop this important skill you can try playing games such as ‘Simon Says’

Tools and home resources for preparing your child for school

Helping Children Build Early Social Skills

Learning to share and take turns helps children build friendships and confidence when playing with others.

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Preparing Little Hands for Writing

Mark making, drawing and fine motor activities help children build the strength and coordination needed for writing.

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Helping Children Feel Ready for School

Encouraging independence helps children develop confidence and resilience as they prepare for school.

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