Starting Reception is a significant milestone for both children and their families, and at our school we are committed to making this transition as positive and nurturing as possible. Drawing on guidance from Kindred Squared, we recognise that strong relationships, clear communication, and a sense of belonging are key to helping children settle and thrive.

We work closely with parents and carers to get to know each child as an individual before they start, valuing the knowledge you hold about your child. Through opportunities such as visits, transition activities, and sharing information, we aim to build familiarity and confidence so that children feel safe, secure, and ready to learn from their very first day.

Our Reception environment is designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing alongside their early learning. We focus on developing independence, communication, and social skills, helping children to form friendships and adapt to new routines at their own pace. By working in partnership with families, we ensure every child is supported to make a happy and successful start to school life.

As part of developing independence, we also support children in becoming confident with toileting. In line with advice from Kindred Squared, we understand that every child develops at their own pace and that potty training is a partnership between home and school. We encourage families to begin building these skills before starting Reception, focusing on routines, confidence, and positive reinforcement.

We do expect children to be toilet trained when they start Reception, including being able to use the toilet independently and communicate their needs. However, we recognise that occasional accidents can happen and these will always be managed sensitively and discreetly. If your child is finding this area more challenging, we encourage open communication so that we can work together to support them in building confidence and independence.

Alongside this, establishing good toothbrushing habits is an important part of your child’s daily routine and overall wellbeing. Regular toothbrushing helps to prevent tooth decay, supports children’s health, and encourages independence in self-care. We encourage families to support children in brushing their teeth twice a day and to begin developing these routines before starting school.

To support you with this at home, helpful documents and guidance are available below.