Starting school is a really exciting milestone, but for many children and families it can also feel like a big change. The move into Reception doesn’t just happen on the first day of term its much more of a gradual process that works best when children,families,nursery staff and school staff are involved. When transition is done well, children don’t feel like they are starting from scratch. They feel familiar, confident, and supported.
Transition is a process, not a moment
Every child is different. Some children are ready to walk into a school setting with confidence, while others need a bit more time to adjust to new routines and environments.
That’s completely normal.
Transition isn’t about rushing children to be “ready for school” by a certain date. It’s about helping them build familiarity and confidence over time so the change feels manageable and positive.
Why working together matters
Children settle best when the adults around them are communicating well and sharing information.
This includes:
- Nurseries sharing what they know about each child
- Schools listening to families and early years practitioners
- Parents feeling involved and informed throughout the process
- Consistent messages across all settings
When this happens, children benefit from continuity. They arrive at school already known, rather than being seen as a “new start”.
Families play a key role
Parents and carers know their child better than anyone. The small details they share—what comforts their child, what interests them, how they respond to change—are really valuable in helping schools support a smooth transition.
Many families are also unsure what “school readiness” actually means. It’s not about formal learning or academic skills. Instead, it’s about building independence, confidence, and emotional security.
This might include things like:
- Being able to separate from a familiar adult
- Managing simple self-care such as coats or toileting
- Listening and joining in during group activities
- Developing confidence in new social situations
These skills develop gradually through everyday experiences, not overnight.
Helping children feel prepared
There are lots of simple things that help children feel more confident about starting school. Visiting the new setting, talking positively about school, and becoming familiar with routines can all make a difference.
What’s most important is that children feel safe and supported throughout this process. There is no pressure for everything to be perfect before they start—nursery and school will continue to build on these skills together.
Even after children start Reception, they are still settling in. The first term is a key part of the transition process as children adjust to new adults, new routines, and a different environment.
Good transition doesn’t end in September. It continues as children build relationships and confidence in their new setting.
When nurseries, schools, and families work together, children feel it. They arrive at school with a sense of familiarity and trust, which helps them settle more easily and feel ready to learn.
Strong relationships and open communication make all the difference.
