How parents and nurseries can work together to prepare children for school

Starting school is a big milestone for children and their families, and preparing for Reception is something that happens gradually over time. While children build confidence and develop new skills at nursery, the support they receive at home plays an equally important role.

When parents and nursery practitioners work together, children benefit from a consistent approach that reflects their individual needs. Sharing observations and talking openly about any concerns can help everyone understand how best to support a child as they get ready for this next chapter.

In this blog, we’ll explore how families and nurseries can work together to help children feel confident and ready for the transition to school.

Why the home and nursery partnership matter

Parents know their child better than anyone. They understand what makes them feel comfortable and how they respond to new experiences. Nursery practitioners bring another perspective. They see firsthand how children learn and build relationships throughout the day.

When parents and practitioners share these insights, they can build a fuller picture of a child’s development. For example, a parent might notice their child becoming more confident getting dressed at home, while their key person sees them beginning to join in with group activities more at nursery. Sharing these observations helps everyone recognise progress and understand where a child might benefit from further encouragement.

This partnership also helps create consistency between home and nursery. When children receive similar encouragement in both environments, they have more opportunities to practice new skills and build confidence. As they approach Reception, this shared support can help them feel secure as they take their next steps towards school.  

How parents and nurseries can support school readiness together

Preparing for school doesn’t need to involve formal lessons or extra activities at home. Everyday moments give children opportunities to practice skills that will help them feel more confident when they start Reception. By sharing what works at home and nursery, parents and practitioners can find simple ways to support each child’s progress.

Encouraging independence

At home, parents can give children time to try everyday tasks for themselves, such as putting on their coat, using cutlery or tidying away toys. Practitioners can build on these experiences at nursery, encouraging children to manage their belongings and take an active role in familiar routines. The aim is to help children feel capable, rather than expecting them to get everything right first time.

Building communication and friendships

Parents can support communication through everyday conversations, sharing stories and giving children time to explain how they feel. At nursery, practitioners can encourage children to listen to others, take turns and work through disagreements with support. Sharing observations can help both sides identify situations where a child might need extra encouragement.

Supporting emotional confidence

Starting school can bring excitement as well as uncertainty. Parents can talk positively about new experiences and help children put their feelings into words. Nursery practitioners can reinforce this by helping children manage changes in routine and ask for help when they need it.

Sharing progress regularly

Small updates can make a real difference. Parents might tell their child’s key person about a new interest or a skill they are practicing at home. Practitioners can share what they have noticed at nursery and suggest ways to build on it. These conversations help ensure that support reflects the child’s individual needs, rather than following the same expectations for everyone.

Working together through the transition to Reception

Parents and nurseries can help children feel more confident about starting Reception by working together to make the change feel familiar and positive.

• Visit the new school: Attend open days and transition sessions to help children become familiar with their new surroundings.

• Share information: Parents and nursery practitioners can share children's interests, strengths and support needs with Reception teachers to help them settle in.

• Talk about starting school: Use stories, conversations and role-play to introduce school routines and give children opportunities to ask questions.

• Acknowledge their feelings: Encourage children to talk about what excites them or makes them nervous, offering reassurance as they prepare for change.

• Keep communication open: Parents and practitioners can share updates about children's progress and any concerns, ensuring they receive consistent support.

Working together helps children feel understood and supported as they take their next steps towards Reception.

What if your child doesn't feel ready for school?

It's natural for parents to wonder whether their child is ready for Reception, particularly if they seem less confident with certain skills than their peers. However, school readiness isn't about meeting a strict checklist or mastering every skill before the first day. Children develop at different rates, and emotional security and confidence are just as important as practical independence.

If you have concerns about your child's readiness, speaking to their nursery key person can be a helpful starting point. They can share observations about your child's development, and from there you can discuss areas where they may need additional support and suggest ways to build confidence at home.

It's also important to remember that children don't need to have everything figured out before starting school. Reception teachers expect children to arrive with different experiences and abilities, and learning continues throughout the year.

By maintaining open communication and focusing on your child's individual progress, you can work with their nursery to help them feel supported as they prepare for this next chapter.

How Fennies works in partnership with families

At Fennies, we believe preparing for school starts long before a child's first day of Reception. Working closely with families helps our practitioners understand each child and support their individual development.

“We build their communication skills and their independence throughout their time with us. But also working with the parents during this transition to help prepare them for this next step in their child’s learning journey.” says Polly Kaur, Senior Manager at Fennies Nurseries, talking about how Fennies helps children develop skills that become important in later life.

Keeping parents connected

Through the Famly app and regular conversations, parents can stay informed about their child's experiences at nursery. We share updates via the app, and you can share updates from home. It creates the chance for you to discuss any questions with your child's key person.

Supporting every child's development

Our practitioners get to know each child's strengths, interests and areas for development. Everyday experiences at nursery help children practice independence, develop social skills and build confidence as they approach new challenges.

Preparing for the next chapter

By sharing knowledge and working towards common goals, parents and practitioners can provide consistent support as children prepare for Reception. This partnership helps children feel secure in their abilities as they take their next steps into school.