Ready or Not,
Here Comes Reception!
What is School Readiness (really)?
Some say school readiness is about writing your name, counting to ten, or sitting still with saint-like patience.
But at Start-School-Ready, we see it differently.
We see school readiness as a mindset - not a milestone.
School readiness isn’t about knowing it all. It’s about being ready to learn (and maybe ready to laugh when your jumper’s on backwards).
How Can We Help?
Think practical guidance - not tick-sheets and checklists.
Our training, courses and resources keep it simple so you can feel confident and in control - ready to help your child Start-School-Ready.
At Start-School-Ready, we’re adding a perspective that often gets left out:
The classroom teacher’s view - the important people who welcome thirty small humans in September and have to actually teach them.
We’ve worked with children who were stamped “school ready” by their parents - and crumbled by lunchtime. We’ve also met kids whose parents had never heard of the term, but walked in resilient, capable, and up for the ride.
Our approach to School Readiness is refreshingly honest, entirely practical, and always child-focused.
So if you’re new to School Readiness, welcome. Start here. Stick with us.
We’ll show you what readiness looks like - not in theory, but in action.
Start Behind, Stay Behind:
Why School Readiness Matters
Kindred2 School Readiness Survey (January 2025)
Kindred2 School Readiness Survey (January 2025)
Kindred2 School Readiness Survey (January 2025)
What We Offer
Not Your Average School Readiness Guidance
At Start-School-Ready
We reveal the “classroom secrets” that no one else shares:
✓ The unwritten routines
✓ The real expectations of teachers
✓ The small skills that make a big difference
We offer you the clear, practical guidance you need to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and prepare children emotionally, socially, and physically for school life.
Let’s take the guesswork out of starting school and help every child step into Reception ready to thrive.
Do I Need a Checklist?
If you Google “School Readiness,” you see a lot of checklists… Can they write their name? Count in some form? Use the toilet independently? Eat without the bowl landing on their heads…?
But let’s pause right there. Because here’s the truth: There isn’t one definition of School Readiness.
Everyone’s got a list and none of them are wrong. But none of them are everything.
Why Our Perspective Matters
Because we’re not guessing. We’re not theorising. We’re telling you what we see - daily. We look at School Readiness through two lenses:
1. The teacher’s lens - Seeing what helps children thrive in a busy Reception classroom and allows teachers to focus on maximising your child’s development.
2. The child’s lens - Seeing what matters to them? What are they trying to navigate (and survive) on day one, week five, and term two?
We’re talking about things like:
Coping with noise, rules, and routines
Knowing what to do when you realise school is not the same as home
Understanding your emotions before they explode all over the book corner
Because those are the real make-or-break moments. That’s where we step in. We’re not anti-checklist. We just think there’s more to it than “Can they hold a pencil?”
Our stories, resources and courses are built from real-life observations. Not just theory. Not just ideals. Real moments that either derail a child’s day - or help them fly.
Sign up for real tips, honest support, and a few laugh-and-learn moments along the way.
What does it mean to…become a member?
Creating an account simply makes you a Start-School-Ready member - which means you get instant access to all our free resources and courses. That includes everything for parents and educators.
No credit card. No spam.
Just your name and email so we know you’re a real person.
What do I get for creating an account?
The fancy title of Start-School-Ready Member
Access to all free content - stories, guides, resources, and self-paced courses
Content for both parents and educators, all in one place
Updates when new material is added (and yes, more is in the works)
You’ll get a quick verification email just to prove you're human.
If you ever want to unsubscribe from updates, it’s not a problem. You’ll still have full access to everything.