Starting school is a major milestone in every child’s life and for many UK parents and caregivers, it comes with a mix of excitement, nerves, and plenty of questions. Is my child ready? Will they cope with the routine? How can I support them at home?
At Edx Education, we believe the answer starts with one simple word: play.
Through our award-winning educational toys, downloadable resources, and our Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education podcast, we champion play-based learning as the most effective and joyful way to prepare children for school. Whether your child is heading to nursery, reception, or Key Stage 1, playful routines at home can help them build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to thrive.
Why Play is Key to School Readiness
Play is how children make sense of their world. It allows them to explore, experiment, and build critical foundational skills from fine motor development and early maths to emotional regulation and communication.
Through open-ended toys like our Linking Cubes, Rainbow Pebbles®, and Number Rods to Go, children naturally engage in problem-solving, pattern recognition, sequencing, and counting. These are the very skills teachers look for when assessing school readiness.
Building School Routines Through Play
Routines can feel overwhelming to young children. Start early by introducing gentle, playful routines that mimic the school day:
- Morning Get-Ready Games: Use My First Calendar to help your child visualise the day ahead. This builds time awareness and reduces anxiety around transitions.
- Pack & Play Practice: Use a backpack and toys like The Counting Bears to practice packing for school, giving them ownership over their learning.
- Storytime & Quiet Time: Use Pattern Blocks to help with concentration and attention span, essential for school success.
Supporting Emotional Transitions
Starting school can stir up big feelings. Try these playful tools to help them manage emotions:
- Role Play: Act out scenarios like saying goodbye to parents or asking for help. This gives your child a script for handling real-life situations.
- Feelings Board: Use visual aids to talk about feelings. Create a morning “how do you feel?” routine to support emotional check-ins.
Our Top Edx Education Tools for School Readiness:
- Linking Cubes: Ideal for developing fine motor skills and early maths.
- Rainbow Pebbles®: Encourage creativity, sorting, and colour recognition.
- My First Calendar: Supports understanding of time, days, and weather.
- Play-based Downloadable Resources: Print-at-home activities to keep the learning going.
Tune In: Play, Learn & Create with Edx Education Podcast
For even more support, inspiration, and expert advice, our podcast is the perfect companion for parents and caregivers navigating the early years. With episodes on child development, special educational needs, and play-based learning strategies, it’s your guide to raising happy, curious learners.
Let’s Make the Transition Joyful
At Edx Education, we know that children learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and joyful. By weaving play into everyday moments, you’re not just preparing your child for school—you’re laying the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
So this back-to-school season, swap the pressure for play. Let curiosity lead the way. And remember with Edx Education, every day is a chance to Play, Learn & Create.
Heather Welch, Author of Happy Children Play and General Manager, Edx Education UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I support a child with ADHD during school transition?
A: Children with ADHD benefit from structured, sensory-friendly play. Use visual schedules to make the day predictable and provide tactile toys like Linking Cubes to help them regulate energy.
Q: What is the benefit of play-based learning for school readiness?
A: Play-based learning helps children develop essential soft skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, which are key for settling into a classroom environment.
