Bewley

Primary School

Bright, Proud and Successful

Supporting School Readiness at Bewley

At Bewley Primary, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start to their learning journey. School readiness isn’t about being able to read or write before starting school, it’s about developing the confidence, independence, and curiosity that help children thrive in a new environment. We want every child to come to school feeling happy, secure, and excited to learn.

We work closely with families to build the essential skills children need for this important step. This includes helping them learn to share, take turns, follow routines, and communicate their needs and ideas. Simple activities at home—like talking together, playing games, reading stories, and encouraging independence with dressing or using cutlery—can make a big difference to your child’s confidence and readiness for school life.

At Bewley, we create a supportive environment that helps children feel proud of who they are and ready to take on new challenges. Together, with families and carers, we help every child to be Bright, Proud and Successful from the very start.

For more information, advice, and national guidance on giving your child the Best Start in Life, please visit the Government’s page here:
Homepage | Best Start in Life  

To give your child the best start at Bewley Primary School, we have compiled the full list of 28 key skills often linked with school readiness. Remember, this is intended as a helpful guide for your home practice and not a stressful ‘must-do’ list. Some children will excel in some areas and need a little more time in others—that is perfectly normal!

CategorySkills & Goals
Self-Care
  1. Can go to the toilet independently & wipe properly
  2. Can wash and dry hands with soap
  3. Can use a tissue to blow their nose
  4. Can dress and undress (excluding tricky buttons/laces)
  5. Can put on their own coat and have a go at the zip
  6. Can put on their own shoes (Velcro is best!)
  7. Is starting to manage their own personal hygiene
Eating & Drinking
  1. Can use a knife and fork to eat
  2. Can open their own lunchbox and water bottle
  3. Can open food packets (e.g., crisps, yoghurts)
  4. Can sit at a table to eat a meal
  5. Can clear away their plate or tray 
Social & Emotional
  1. Can separate from a parent or carer happily
  2. Is able to share toys and take turns
  3. Can follow simple instructions (1-2 steps)
  4. Can express their needs and feelings in words
  5. Is curious about the world and likes to ask questions
  6. Can tidy up toys when they have finished playing
Communication & Literacy
  1. Can sit and listen to a short story
  2. Can talk about a story they have heard
  3. Can recognise their own written name (on a peg or bag)
  4. Is starting to hold a pencil or crayon with control
  5. Can join in with nursery rhymes and songs
  6. Can speak in simple sentences to be understood
Physical & Cognitive
  1. Can kick a ball or run with some coordination
  2. Can use safety scissors to make simple snips
  3. Can count a small number of objects (up to 5 or 10)
  4. Recognises some basic shapes and colours