What this tool does

It gives you a quick read on how ready your child is for starting school, looking at the everyday skills that matter most in a reception classroom. You answer a handful of questions about what your child can currently do, and you get back a plain summary of their strengths and the areas where a bit of practice at home would help.

The focus is on the things teachers actually flag in the first term, like putting on a coat, using the toilet independently, sitting for a short story, and joining in with other children.

Who it's for

It's aimed at parents and carers of children due to start reception in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or P1 in Scotland, usually in the year before they begin. It's also useful if you've had a nursery key worker mention something you want to work on, or if you're weighing up whether to defer a summer born child.

You don't need to be worried to use it. Plenty of parents just want a sanity check, or a sense of what "ready" looks like beyond reading and counting. If your child has additional needs or an EHCP in progress, treat the results as a rough guide only and lean on your SENCO or health visitor for anything specific.

How it works

You'll work through a short set of questions covering independence, social and emotional skills, communication, and early learning behaviours. It takes about five minutes. At the end you get a written summary with suggestions you can try at home, things like practising lunchbox lids, taking turns in simple games, or talking through the school day. Your answers aren't saved and you don't need to sign up or share an email.