10 Things Your Child Should Be Able to Do
Before School
A free, warm school readiness checklist covering the everyday skills that help your child feel confident, settled and ready for their first day.
Free · Instant access
Is This Checklist for You?
Whether school feels months away or is right around the corner, this checklist meets you where you are.
New to School
Your child is starting school soon and you want a clear, simple picture of what to focus on.
Tracking Progress
You like having a simple way to notice and celebrate what your child is already doing.
Looking for Reassurance
You want to know what's typical for this age, without a long list of worries.
Grandparents & Carers
You're closely involved in a child's routine and want to understand what school will expect.
What's Inside
Ten everyday skills, grouped into five areas, a complete picture of school readiness.
Talking & Understanding
Being understood and following instructions
Independence & Self-Care
Toileting and getting dressed
Hands & Early Mark-Making
Pencil grip and using cutlery
Social & Emotional
Separating and sharing
Attention & Early Learning
Listening and early literacy
Ready to Go Deeper?
This checklist tells you what to look out for. Our School Readiness Guide shows you exactly how to build each skill, with simple, everyday activities you can start straight away, from Speech and Language Therapists Chelsea and Savannah.
Every skill on this checklist, from talking clearly to separating with confidence, gets its own practical, step-by-step section in the full guide.
See the School Readiness Guide
Meet Chelsea & Savannah
The Speech & Language Therapists behind Little Beginnings Hub, and the five areas this checklist is built on.
Chelsea Ridge
Speech & Language Therapist
Chelsea is a Speech & Language Therapist and co-founder of Little Beginnings Hub, working with families to build clear, confident communication in the years before school. She believes every parent deserves practical, trustworthy guidance, not just a list of milestones to worry over.
Savannah Senior
Speech & Language Therapist & IBCLC
Savannah is a Speech & Language Therapist and IBCLC, and co-founder of Little Beginnings Hub, passionate about helping families feel prepared and settled through every developmental transition, starting school included.
Questions You Might Have
Is this a diagnostic tool?
No. It's a general guide to the everyday skills that help a child settle into school life, meant to help you notice strengths and areas to practise together, not to diagnose or replace professional advice.
What ages does it cover?
It's written for the year before school, typically ages 4 to 5, and covers 10 skills across five areas of development.
How much does it cost?
Nothing, it's completely free. Choose to download it directly, or join our community to also receive a welcome gift and occasional free resources.
What happens after I download it?
If you choose "just send me the checklist," it opens straight away, no email required. If you choose "checklist + community," it's emailed to you along with a welcome note and your 10% discount code.
Do I need to buy anything?
Not at all, the checklist is free to keep either way. If you'd like to go deeper, our School Readiness Guide covers the practical "how" behind each skill, and downloading this checklist gets you 10% off.
What if my child has SEN or additional needs?
These skills may be reached differently, or on a different timeline, and that's completely okay. Speak to your child's nursery SENCO, health visitor, or an SLT or OT early, so support is ready from day one.
Can professionals use this too?
It's written for parents, but nursery staff and early years professionals are welcome to use it as a quick-reference guide.
Get your free checklist
Ten everyday skills across five areas, print it, tick off what your child's already doing, and practise the rest together before September.
🎁 A little something for you
Join our community when you download and get 10% off any Little Beginnings Hub course.
Free · Instant access
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Send me the checklist + join our community
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