Practise the routine
In the summer holidays, try school-day bedtimes and wake-up times, and practise the journey.
Our learning · For parents
Getting ready for school
Starting school is a big step for your child, and for you! Here's what to do and when, plus simple things you can practise at home.
Step one
Applying for a school place
In England, children start school in Reception (Year R) in the September after their fourth birthday. You need to apply for a place. It doesn't happen automatically.
If you live in Hampshire, apply to Hampshire County Council. If you live outside Hampshire (for example over the border in Dorset, or in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), apply to your own council, even if the school you want is in Hampshire.
Hampshire suggests listing three schools in order of preference. Naming only one school doesn't make a place there more likely.
Key dates for September 2027
- 1 November 2026
- Applications open
- 15 January 2027
- Closing date: apply by midnight
- 16 April 2027
- Offers day: find out your school
For children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023. Dates from Hampshire County Council. Always check their website for the latest information.
Step two
Ready for school checklist
These are things that help children feel confident in Reception. Don't worry if your child can't do them all yet. Every child is different, and teachers expect to help. Tick them off as you go!
Practise some of these skills with our games,numbers and letters activities and the storyMonkey Goes to Big School.
Step three
Tips for the summer before school
Get dressed for school
Let them try on the uniform and shoes at home. Practise buttons, jumpers and coats.
Read about starting school
Books like Starting School by Janet and Allan Ahlberg help children know what to expect.
Talk it up
Talk about the fun things at school. If you're feeling nervous yourself, try not to let it show.
Label everything
Uniform, coats, water bottles and book bags. Everything looks the same at school!
Play pretend schools
Take turns being the teacher. Do the register, have a story and line up for lunch.
How we help at Little Monkeys
Every Friday at nursery is "Ready for School" day. We also work closely with local schools. Ofsted said: "Staff go with children to visit their new classrooms, and teachers visit the children in the nursery."
- School readiness: Practising putting on coats, using lunch trays and sitting for short group times.
- Visits and role play: A pretend school day at nursery, with a register, story, lunch and playtime.
- Links with local schools: Story swaps, teacher visits and sending drawings or letters.
- Graduation: Celebrating achievements to build pride and confidence.