Getting Your Child Ready for School

Delivered in early years settings, schools, and family homes, our School Readiness Service helps children develop the key skills they need to feel confident, capable, and prepared for beginning their reception year.

We focus on building:

Confidence
Independence
Daily routines
Communication and language skills
Essential practical skills, such as toileting and self‑care

At Home‑Start Kirklees, when we talk about school readiness, we mean supporting your child to develop the independence and self‑help skills they need to manage a full day in a busy classroom without you.

What Children Should Aim to Do Before Starting Reception

We help children work towards being able to:

Play, share, and take turns with other children
Follow simple instructions and understand basic expectations
Dress independently, including putting on their own coat and shoes
Use the toilet confidently and follow simple hygiene routines
Eat and drink independently
Cope with time away from parents or carers
Communicate their wants, needs, and feelings

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Help you with your goals

Our staff and trained volunteers can support your family to achieve these goals using a range of fun, engaging activities and resources that encourage learning in the home. We also help families access community‑based opportunities that support play development and social skills.
We offer up to four one‑to‑one sessions in the home and can also support with other family challenges if needed
As part of the service, you will receive your own bag of school readiness resources to use at home. A volunteer or staff member will demonstrate how to use each resource and explain the benefits for your child’s development—building their skills, confidence, and independence, and helping you understand the important role you play in preparing them for reception.
Access to this service is by referral only, and parents are welcome to self‑refer.

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Getting Your Child Ready for School

Getting Your Child Ready for School

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