How to Use Summer to Get Your Child Ready to Start School

Starting school is one of the biggest developmental transitions a young child will go through. From a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Occupational Therapist (OT) perspective, the goal is not just “school readiness” in an academic sense it’s emotional readiness, sensory readiness, independence, regulation, and confidence in separating from familiar adults and routines.

The reason preparation should start now (months before September) is because young children build safety through:

·         repetition

·         predictability

·         and gradual exposure.

Their nervous systems need time to practise new routines before the emotional pressure of the real transition arrives.

Learning to put coat on independently.

A child who appears “fine” in summer can still struggle significantly once school starts because they are suddenly coping with:

• New adults

• Larger groups

• More sensory input

• Longer demands on attention

• Less free play

• Greater independence expectations

• Separation from caregivers

• Fatigue from sustained regulation

Early preparation reduces overwhelm and helps children build emotional resilience gradually rather than all at once.

What to focus on to get your child ready to start school.

1. Emotional preparation

Children need help understanding:

• What school is

• What will stay the same

• What will be different

• Who will help them

• That nervous feelings are normal

Avoid only saying:

• “You’ll love it!”

• “Big boys/girls don’t cry.”

Instead try:

• “It’s okay to feel excited AND worried.”

• “Your teachers will help you learn the routines.”

• “We can practise together.”

Are there any books to help me explain school to my child?

Books about starting school can really help because they allow children to rehearse emotionally through story.

Good examples:

• Starting School

• Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School

• The Colour Monster Goes to School

2. Building independence slowly

Reception classrooms expect more independence than many parents realise.

Useful skills to practise now:

• Putting shoes on/off

• Using the toilet independently

• Washing hands properly

• Opening lunch containers

• Carrying a backpack

• Hanging up a coat

• Asking for help

• Tidying toys

• Following 2-step instructions

Turn these into playful routines rather than pressure tasks.

Example:

“Can you be the teacher helper and put your coat on before the timer ends?”

Can you help to tidy these toys?

3. Sensory readiness

Many children struggle because school is sensory-heavy:

• Noise

• Bright lights

• Crowds

• Smells

• Busy walls

• Constant transitions

Children with sensory sensitivities may become dysregulated before adults realise they are overwhelmed.

Helpful preparation:

• Practise being in busier environments

• Build tolerance for noise gradually

• Encourage movement play daily

• Reduce over-scheduling so regulation capacity grows

Practical OT-style equipment ideas

These are not “must-haves,” but can support regulation and confidence.

For sensory regulation

• Chewable pencil toppers (if oral sensory seeking)

• Water bottle with straw top

• Small keyring fidget

• Seamless socks if clothing sensitivities exist

• Well-fitted backpack (not oversized)

• Ear defenders for very noise-sensitive children

For independence

• Velcro shoes before lace-up shoes

• Easy-open lunchboxes

• Named water bottle they can open independently

• Coat with large zip pull

For emotional regulation

• Family photo in bag

• Visual routine chart at home

• Feelings cards

• Calm corner at home after school

4. Prepare the nervous system - not just behaviour

A common view is that behaviour is communication.

Children may show stress through:

• Clinginess

• Aggression

• Toileting accidents

• Sleep disruption

• Tantrums

• “Babyish” behaviour

• Refusing school talk

• Exhaustion after school

This does not mean the transition is failing.

Starting school requires huge cognitive, emotional, and sensory energy.

Sitting at a table for a structured activity.

5. Start practising school routines now

Do this gradually over the summer rather than suddenly in late August.

Helpful routines:

• Earlier bedtime

• Earlier wake-up

• Sitting for short structured activities

• Snack/lunch routine at a table

• Independent toileting outside the home

• Walking into activities without being carried

Activities that genuinely help

Regulation-building play

OTs often value:

• Climbing

• Swinging

• Jumping

• Obstacle courses

• Playdough

• Water play

• Heavy work (“jobs” like carrying groceries or pushing laundry baskets)

These activities develop body awareness, coordination, emotional regulation, and attention.

6. Social readiness matters more than academics

Many parents worry about:

• Writing names

• Counting

• Phonics

But the strongest predictors of settling well are often:

• Emotional regulation

• Ability to separate

• Turn-taking

• Communication

• Flexibility

• Coping with frustration

Play remains the primary learning tool at this age.

Helpful phrases for parents

Instead of:

• “What did you do today?”

Try:

• “What made you smile today?”

• “Was anything tricky?”

• “Who helped you today?”

• “What game did you play?”

This supports emotional reflection rather than performance pressure and helps your child get ready to start school.

Final thoughts on getting your child ready for school.

Children do best when adults:

• Stay calm and predictable

• Avoid over-preparing academically

• Build confidence through play

• Practise routines gradually

• Validate feelings without amplifying fear

The aim is not to create a child who is never anxious.

The aim is to help them feel:

“I can cope with new things because trusted adults help me feel safe.”

This foundation supports long-term resilience in school transitions.

• This article is written by Jordanna Hirst, Head of Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy, at bMindful Psychology.

  
  

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Whether you are a parent, carer or organisation looking for support, our team of highly experienced and skilled clinicians are available to support you. bMindful Psychology are trusted, specialist mental health services for children and young people in the UK.

We provide high quality therapeutic and clinical services and training for professionals, parents and young people. We operate from our head office in Cheadle, Greater Manchester providing support in person and online across the UK. 

• We provide Occupational Therapy Services including expert sensory assessments, personalised sensory profiles, and practical support plans to help children and young people who may struggle with focus, sensory sensitivities, or regulation.