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Health advice for starting school

Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and families. This useful health advice is to help your child feel confident, healthy and ready for school. National guidance highlights that preparing for school is not just about academic skills. It is also about wellbeing, independence, routines and knowing how to ask for help.

At Barnes Primary School, we understand that every child is different. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health or development, please speak to us. We are here to support you. This reflects the wider guidance that schools, families and health professionals should work together to help children settle well into Reception.

What should I check before my child starts school?

Before your child starts school, it is helpful to make sure that:

  • your child is registered with a GP
  • your child is registered with a dentist and attends regular check ups 
  • your child is up to date with immunisations, including their pre school boosters and MMR vaccinations 
  • the school is aware of any medical conditions, allergies or regular medication your child may need.

If your child needs medication in school, please let the school know in advance and make sure any medication provided is clearly labelled and in date. Current school health guidance advises parents to inform school if regular medication is needed.

How can I help my child feel ready for school?

Preparing for school is about helping children build the confidence and habits that allow them to settle, make friends and learn well. Current guidance highlights the importance of communication, independence, social and emotional development, and physical development. 

You can help your child by encouraging them to:

  • use the toilet as independently as possible and wash their hands afterwards
  • put on and take off simple items of clothing, such as coats and shoes
  • use cutlery and eat as independently as possible
  • talk about how they are feeling and ask an adult for help when needed
  • listen, follow simple instructions and take turns with others 

It is also helpful to practise the school routine, including getting dressed, eating breakfast and leaving the house on time. Government and NHS linked guidance both stress that simple everyday habits help children settle into school with confidence.

How can I support my child’s health and wellbeing?

Good health and wellbeing support children to feel settled and ready to learn. Parents can help by focusing on a few key areas:

Sleep and routines

A calm bedtime routine and enough sleep help children feel ready for the school day. School readiness guidance also highlights the value of regular morning routines. 

Healthy eating and physical wellbeing

Healthy meals, water and regular activity all support children’s learning and wellbeing. Guidance for parents preparing children for school encourages healthy habits and active play as part of readiness for school.

Dental health

Make sure your child is registered with a dentist and attends regular dental check ups. Dental registration is specifically highlighted in school health advice for parents. 

Emotional wellbeing

It is normal for children to feel excited, uncertain or worried about starting school. Guidance for families recommends talking positively about school, listening to worries and helping children feel reassured.

What if my child is still working on toileting?

Children develop at different rates and some may need more time and support with toileting. School readiness guidance highlights toileting as an important area to practise before Reception, while also recognising that some families may need additional advice and support.

If you are concerned about bedwetting, toileting or continence, it is a good idea to seek advice early. You may also wish to speak to your GP, health visitor or school nurse for support. Current readiness resources signpost families to specialist toileting support where needed. ERIC is a helpful website.

When should I keep my child off school?

The NHS advises that if your child has a high temperature, they should stay off school until it has gone. It also states that children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school until 48 hours after the last episode.

For other illnesses, the advice depends on the condition. The NHS page Is my child too ill for school? provides clear guidance for parents.

Where can I find further health advice and support?

You may find the following areas helpful:

Healthy School London
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