This leaflet has lots of useful information to help you and your child prepare for school.

There are some steps you can take to help your child settle in and feel confident in this new chapter of their lives. Your health visitor can offer guidance and support if you would like support to help your child reach these steps.

Your child:

1. is happy to be away from you for periods of time in the day
2. can wipe their nose, go to the toilet, wipe themselves, and flush without any help
3. can ask for help if they feel unsure or not well
4. can recognise their own name written down
5. can use a knife and fork and open their lunch by themselves
6. can put their uniform on and take it off again. Use easy fastening shoes and clothes to begin with
7. is used to their new morning routines, including getting dressed and eating breakfast
8. is used to playing with and sharing with other children
9. has a good bedtime routine so they're not tired at school
10. has had their all their pre-school vaccinations including their first and second dose MMR vaccination to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. Contact your GP to book any vaccinations needed.

Listen to your child’s worries if they have any. Reassure them you understand with phrases like “I know you’re a bit worried” and tell them you'll miss them too. You could try talking about your time at school, you could show them some of your old school photos; you can read books together about starting school, visit the library and see what you can borrow for free. Together, come up with some situations they can look forward to, such as being with their friends, meeting their new teacher and learning new things.  A nice tip is to draw a heart on their wrist and one on yours too. If they are missing you they can press the heart and know that you will feel it. Tell them you’ll press yours too.

Download the Born to Move app for more tips, activities and resources to support you and your child on their next big adventure. Ring your local Health Visiting Team for more support and advice (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)

'Understanding Your Child' courses are here to help you develop as a parent as your family grows. These free online courses are available in 15-20 minute chunks, perfect for busy parents and carers. To access your free course go to inourplace.co.uk and register for a free account with the access code ‘Invicta’.

You can find lots of helpful information to support your child's development, and keep them healthy and safe at Kent Family https://family.kentcht.nhs.uk/