4–5 years
Starting school
The practical and emotional shift from early years care into statutory schooling.
What tends to happen in this stage: School allocation, settling-in visits, the first term of Reception, wraparound care.
Ready now
Letters you might need at this stage
These are finished and free. Fill in the blanks and take away something you can send today.
Planned
10 guides for this stage
1 of these is written so far — look for the “Read it” tag. We’d rather tell you that plainly than put up thin pages to look busy. The rest are listed so you can see what’s coming — and if one of them is what you need right now, tell us and it moves up the list.
Starting school transition
- The primary school application process Read it
- What to expect in the first term of Reception Guide
- If your child is not ready — deferred entry and part-time attendance Guide
- Uniform, kit and practical preparation checklist Printable checklist
- First week of school — what to pack, what to expect Printable checklist
- Early signs of school anxiety — and where to get more help Guide
Behaviour & emotional development
- Preparing your child emotionally for starting school Guide
- Managing separation anxiety on drop-off Guide
Choosing & managing childcare
- Wraparound care — breakfast and after-school clubs, childminder pick-ups Guide
SEND & additional needs
- Requesting reasonable adjustments for starting school Guide