School readiness checklist

Print off our free school readiness checklist to ensure your child is prepared for starting school.

Download our school readiness checklist to encourage your child in getting ready for primary school.

What is included in this school readiness checklist printable?

Our school readiness checklist is a printable sheet that you can pin up at home and tick off the boxes as your child learns the skills they need before going to primary school.

The skills on this checklist are in line with the government's EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Framework.

How do I use this school readiness checklist?

Display the chart somewhere your child can see it every day. It shows them what they need to have learnt before going to school. You can use it to encourage them to master new skills like putting on their own shoes and doing up buttons to be ready for school.

When each skill is mastered you can tick the box on the checklist. You may wish to reward your child when they have mastered a new skill with a small treat!

School readiness checklist

School readiness for children with additional needs

Preparing a child with additional needs for school might involve a different approach. It might be that some of the check boxes on the list are not achievable.

If you have concerns about your child being ready for school, make contact with the school and share your concerns. The school should be able to discuss with you how they can welcome your child and adapt to meet their needs.

One way that you can help your child prepare for starting school is by creating morning and evening routines. Routines are helpful for children with additional needs as they enjoy knowing what is coming next, and find comfort in things being the same every day. You could even practise the getting ready for school routine for a few mornings before they start, or stick a picture on the fridge of what they must do each morning in order (e.g. a picture of uniform, a picture of their toothbrush, etc).

Your child might also benefit from an extra visit to their new teachers ahead of time, or taking a comforting cuddly friend in to school with them.

What is school readiness?

School readiness means being prepared for school, having learnt the skills necessary to move through the school day.

School readiness covers things like a child being able to go to the toilet and wash their hands on their own, as well dress themselves and follow instructions.