"Is my child ready?" is one of the most common questions parents ask. In the British system the year group is set by age on 1 September, so the real question is usually not whether to start, but how to help your child start well.
Signs of readiness for Nursery
- Can separate from you for a while, perhaps with some tears at first
- Shows interest in other children, even when playing alongside rather than with them
- Can follow a simple instruction ("put your shoes by the door")
- Is starting to manage some self-care: washing hands, asking for the toilet
- Enjoys stories, songs and making things
None of these needs to be perfect. Nursery is where children practise them.
Signs of readiness for Year 1
- Can listen to an adult in a group for a short time
- Recognises some letters and their sounds
- Can count objects and recognise some numbers
- Can manage coats, shoes, lunch and the toilet independently
- Can wait a turn and recover from small disappointments
What matters less than you think
- Reading before school. Helpful, but not expected; teachers start from where your child is.
- Writing neatly. Fine-motor control develops at very different rates.
- Being the oldest in the year. Children born in the summer are the youngest in their year; good teaching makes room for that.
If your child needs longer
A good school notices quickly and plans for it. That is far easier in a small class, and far better than a support need spotted halfway through the year.
At Elyton
Every child joins with a relaxed "Meet your child" session that sets their starting point and, where needed, a support plan. Classes are capped at twenty-five. Check your child's year group with our age finder.
