Getting your child ready for school

Going to school can be a fun and new adventure. It also brings many changes for your child.

On your child's first day, schools expect children to have key skills. For a full list and simple ideas, please visit the starting reception website.

'Stay and Play' weekly drop-in

Family hubs have free activities for families in East Sussex. A great group for pre-schoolers is our 'Stay and Play' weekly drop-in.

These groups provide a space for your child to practice:

  • making friends 
  • following easy instructions
  • taking turns with toys and setting boundaries
  • paying attention for a short time
  • singing, and role play

To find out days and times, see the ‘Stay and play drop in’ category in  Activities and courses 

Groups and courses at family hubs

We also offer courses and groups in areas such as:

Speech and language

Check the Speech and language category in activities and courses

Additional needs

SEN specialist ‘Stay and Play’ drop-in groups Check the ‘Additional needs’Activities and courses

Health, exercise and nutrition

Check the  Health, exercise and nutrition category in activities and courses

Online courses 

Our online courses and webinars are live events. This means you can ask questions and share your experiences with other parents and carers if you wish.

See the 'Online courses' categories in  Activities and courses 

Ask us a question in person

Our friendly, trained staff can answer your questions about school readiness at a group you attend or just on an ad hoc basis. Questions might be:

  • How to get your children to brush their teeth in a fun way  (songs, DJ app)
  • How to prepare your child for five days a week, 9am to 3pm, if it's not their normal routine!
  • What to practice with your child at home (recognising the shape of their name, for their peg at school)
  • Early morning routine.

Find your local family hub