Fiducia TogetherStarting school
The first term of Reception, and what to expect.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Children usually start Reception in the September after they turn four, and must be in education from the term after their fifth birthday.
Where it applies
Families of four-year-olds.
How it works
Settling varies enormously and a difficult first half term is common rather than a warning sign. Schools stagger starts, run home visits and offer part-time attendance at first, which is normal and time-limited.\n\nEntry can be deferred within the Reception year — see school entry age.
What you can ask for
Tell the school anything they should know before the first day: medical needs, additional needs, family circumstances, what helps your child settle.
Ask about the settling-in arrangements and who the key adult is.
If concerns emerge in the first term, raise them early. Reception is where SEND is most often first identified and where early help works best.
Where to get help
SENDIASS for free local advice, IPSEA and Contact nationally.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.