Reception New Starters 2026-2027
Thank you for choosing to send your child to us, we are so looking forward to meeting them and you. Choosing a primary school is a significant decision to make as it is the very beginning of your child’s education journey. It is so important to get this right, in order to develop a love of learning.
This page will help prepare you and your child for September. We have tried to include lots of useful information about what being 'School Ready' looks like as well as explaining what life will be like in Reception for your child.
From now until September this webpage will be updated weekly with useful tips, links and acitivites that you can do with your child.
Screen Time
Parents of young children are facing a constant battle with screens. Now, for the first time, the government have produced clear guidance to help you navigate this.
- Under 2s: Avoiding screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
- 2 to 5-year-olds: Trying to keep it to no more than one hour a day. Avoid at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.
- Content: Choosing slow-paced, age-appropriate content. Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.
- Co-viewing: Watching or using screens together - talking, asking questions and engaging with the content - is better for children’s development than solo screen use.
Click here to find out more.
Toilet Training
We expect all children to start Reception fully toilet trained. If there is a medical reason that you child is still in nappies please let us know. We understand that from time to time children may have little accidents and we are more than happy to help with getting changed. The children are free to use the toilets whenever they need to and adults always give plenty of reminders. Please ensure you child has a small ruck sack with plenty of spare named clothes.
Click here to find out more about toilet training.
Tooth Brushing
Did you know that 1 in 5 children suffer from tooth decay. This can impact upon their speech and also mean that they have to have time off of school. Eating a healthy diet is a great way to help prevent this as well as regular tooth brushing.
Busby House Dental Centre are currently taking part in a government scheme, promoting good oral health in children aged 0-5 years. The practice will be running NHS children’s clinics twice a month, for children aged 0-5 years and their siblings. To book an appointment, contact reception on 01235 816486 or e-mail at administrator@busbyhouse.co.uk
Click here to find out more about tooth brushing.
Time For Some Fun
Here is a great song all about starting Reception by Mc Grammer that you can watch with child.
The BBC have a great game that you can play with your child. They can create themselves wearing a blue jumper like their Willowcroft unifrom. There is also a useful page for parents here.
Cross the Midline movement videos are a great way of improving your childs gross motor skills ready for school. Crossing the midline is the ability to move limbs or eyes across an imaginary line running from the head to the feet, dividing the body into left and right halves. This essential skill facilitates communication between both brain hemispheres, allowing for coordinated, bilateral movement. It is critical for developing hand dominance, fine motor skills, and smooth, efficient daily actions.Gross motor skills are needed before your child starts to write. Going to the park and playing on the climbing frame, kicking or throwing a ball are also great ways to improve your childs gross motor skills.