Video for Harborough parents and carers to help get youngsters ready to start primary school for the first time

A video helping parents and carers get youngsters ready to start primary school for the first time in Leicestershire has been made.

The short film by Leicestershire County Council explains what it means for a child to be ‘school ready’.

And it features a string of practical suggestions on how families can get involved.

The video is appearing as first-time primary school applications for county schools open for autumn 2022.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the county council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “Starting school is one of the biggest milestones a child can go through and it’s a big change to family life.

“Our video helps families focus on how they can help with this transition.

“It shows there are simple things you can do with your children to help them prepare and make that step from home life to school life go as smoothly as possible.”

Examples of how parents and carers can help their children become ‘school ready’ include:

Building their confidence and praising them for their efforts and achievements

Letting them play with other children and encouraging sharing and taking turns

Trying to plan healthy meals, having regular routines and making sure they get enough sleep.

To view the video, along with more information about being ready for school, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/school-readinessTo research primary schools and apply for your preferred primary school places for autumn 2022 visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/admissionsThe deadline for applications is January 15, 2022.

The school readiness campaign is part of a shared priority of ‘school readiness’ developed by the Leicestershire Children and Families Partnership.

Families, early years providers, 0-5 services and schools all combine and work together to ensure that all children get the best start in life and are ready to launch their school careers.