Ready Steady... Reception is a playful activity booklet that helps children build the skills for a confident start to school, over the summer before starting Reception. The booklet features six different 50 Things to Do activities that are fun, free to do at home or nearby, and linked to a skill children use every day in Reception.
Families choose when and how often to do them, and draw their favourite moments as they go. The booklets also supports strengthened partnerships between parents, early years settings and schools, encouraging everyone to work together to support children as they take this important next step.
Once families have completed the booklet, they can move on to our wider 50 Things to Do offer, which hosts a whole range of fun activities for families, all supporting the skills that are crucial for a confident start to school.
Why we made it
Child of the North research found that one in three Bradford children are not ready for school when they start Reception. Nationally, Kindred Squared's School Readiness Survey estimates an average of 2.4 hours of teaching time is lost to catch-up needs.
Ready, Steady… Reception builds on 50 Things To Do Before You're Five, turning everyday play into the skills children need on day one. It complements the national guidance at startingreception.co.uk and strengthens the link between home, early years settings, Family Hubs and schools.
"Our 50 Things To Do Before You're Five project is the perfect platform to help support the skills required for a confident start to school, but in a simple, fun and meaningful way that families and their children can enjoy together."
Chloe Storr, 50 Things To Do Before You're Five Programme Manager
Also inside the booklet
All about me - A page for children to record their name, setting, key adult, new school and new teacher, plus a mirror self-portrait.
Less screen time, more play time - Realistic tips for cutting back gradually and keeping mealtimes, storytime and bedtime screen-free.
Support with toileting - Signs a child may be ready, and practical tips to help them be dry for school.
Games and make-believe - A dots and boxes waiting game, a Gigglebox special friend to invent, and a medal to colour in at the end.
Two activities of your choice - Space to add activities suggested by a nursery, Family Hub or the child's new school.
Helpful local links - QR codes to Bradford's Reception Ready guidance, Talking Bradford and Bradford Libraries.
Bradford schools
Register to receive printed booklets for your new Reception intake, plus guides for conversations with families - once we have availability of leaflets we will be in touch
Not in Bradford? No Problem
Why not have a look at our 50 Things To Do partnership options to get in touch and have a chat about bringing 50 Things To Do to your area
Read the booklet
Ready, steady… Reception! is here to help support a child’s journey into school through fun, simple activities children and parents can do together at home. Here are our top six activities that can make a real difference to a child starting reception.