Lemington Riverside Primary School

Getting ready to start at Lemington Riverside

We are so excited that your child will be joining us in Nursery or Reception soon! To help you prepare we have created this page - before you read on, we recommend you start by watching the short explainer video below! 

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Starting Nursery or Reception is a huge milestone – not just for children, but for parents and carers too. At Lemington Riverside Primary School, we know that every child develops at their own pace and every family’s journey is different.

We want every child to begin their time with us feeling happy, confident, safe and ready to learn. We also understand that many parents may feel excited, emotional or even a little anxious about this next step – and that’s completely normal.

Starting school is not about children being “perfect” or getting everything right before they arrive. It’s about helping them build confidence, independence and routines gradually, with lots of encouragement and support along the way.

Our team is here to work in partnership with families every step of the journey.

What Do We Mean by “School Readiness”?

School readiness means helping children develop the everyday skills they need to feel comfortable and confident in a Nursery or Reception environment.

These include things like:

  • Using the toilet as independently as possible
  • Taking turns and sharing
  • Listening to simple instructions
  • Managing simple routines
  • Communicating needs and feelings
  • Beginning to do things for themselves

These skills take time and practice. The good news is that the small things you do every day at home make the biggest difference.

Getting Ready for Nursery

Nursery is often a child’s very first experience of spending time away from home in a learning environment. Our Nursery team focuses on helping children feel secure, settled and happy while developing confidence and independence through play.

Before Starting Nursery, It Helps If Children Are Beginning To:

Become More Independent

  • Try putting on their own coat or shoes
  • Use a spoon or fork
  • Wash and dry their hands
  • Begin using the toilet independently

Build Communication Skills

  • Talk, listen and sing with adults
  • Use words, gestures or signs to communicate needs
  • Share books and stories together

Develop Social Skills

  • Spend time with other children
  • Learn to take turns
  • Begin sharing toys and resources

Follow Simple Routines

  • Have regular bedtimes and mealtimes
  • Practise tidying up toys
  • Get used to short separations from parents or carers

Most importantly, children should feel excited, reassured and loved as they begin this new adventure.

Toilet Training and Nursery Readiness

One of the biggest areas of school readiness is toileting independence.

We understand that every child develops differently and accidents do happen. However, children starting Nursery should ideally be beginning to:

  • Recognise when they need the toilet
  • Use the toilet with some independence
  • Pull clothes up and down
  • Wash and dry their hands afterwards

Being toilet ready helps children feel more confident, comfortable and able to fully enjoy their learning and play.

If your child is struggling with toilet training, please speak to us before they start. We will always work supportively with families and help create a plan together.

Getting Ready for Reception

Starting Reception is a big step. Children will experience more structure, routines and opportunities for independent learning.

Reception readiness is not about being able to read, write or complete formal work before starting school. The most important things are confidence, communication, independence and emotional readiness.

Before Starting Reception, It Helps If Children Can:

Manage Personal Care

  • Use the toilet independently
  • Wash and dry hands properly
  • Put on coats and shoes
  • Get changed with a little help

Listen and Communicate

  • Listen for short periods of time
  • Follow simple instructions
  • Talk about feelings and experiences
  • Ask for help when needed

Build Friendships

  • Share and take turns
  • Play cooperatively with others
  • Begin understanding other people’s feelings
  • Learn simple boundaries and routines

Develop Healthy Habits

  • Have consistent bedtime routines
  • Limit screen time
  • Try different foods
  • Brush teeth twice a day

Learn Through Play

Children learn best through play, conversation, stories, singing, exploring and everyday experiences. Simple activities at home can make a huge difference:

  • Reading together every day
  • Counting during play
  • Drawing and colouring
  • Building with blocks or puzzles
  • Singing nursery rhymes
  • Talking about the world around them

Every Child Is Unique

Some children may need extra support when preparing for Nursery or Reception, including children with SEND, developmental delays, speech and language needs or children learning English as an additional language.

If you have any concerns about your child’s development or readiness, please talk to us. Early support makes a real difference and we are here to help, not judge.

Working together with families is one of the most important parts of helping children thrive.

Supporting Parents and Carers

Starting school can feel emotional for grown-ups too. Many parents worry about:

  • Whether their child is “ready”
  • Separation anxiety
  • Toileting accidents
  • Making friends
  • Settling into routines

Please remember:

  • Every child settles differently
  • Some children take longer than others
  • It is completely normal for children (and adults!) to feel nervous
  • Our staff are experienced, caring and here to support you

We believe that positive relationships between home and school help children feel secure and successful.

Working Together

At Lemington Riverside Primary School, we are passionate about giving children the very best start to their education.

By working together, building routines at home and encouraging independence little by little, we can help every child feel ready for their next big adventure.

Questions?

Please speak to our Nursery or Reception team if you would like advice, support or guidance before your child starts with us. We are always happy to help.

#WeAreLemington

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