To ask what a school ready check involves?

[isheschoolready]

Have had a letter through the post and wondering what it involves. I am permanently worried ds is very behind so any advice would be appreciated!

You get a questionnaire to fill out ahead of time. They do weight and height and then check a few things from the questionnaire

From recollection it was use of scissors could they draw a few shapes, recognise which is the smallest of 3 circles. They tested things like jumping and being able to balance on one leg. The questionnaire also covered emotionally and physical health

Thanks, that’s really helpful. It does sound like he maybe a bit behind but hopefully nothing catastrophic.

I think they asked about managing emotions - could they identify a happy face, sad face etc. Can they listen and take turns in conversation, can they convey feelings to other adults.

Remember they aren't looking for them to able to do everything and even being behind in 1 area isn't necessarily bad thing. My daughter scored just under ok for gross motor skills but she was 3y9m and the minimum age for the assessment so the hv wasn't concerned.

We saw the HV a lot when she was a newborn so I think she had every assessment from 8 weeks to 10 months. The only time we had concerns raised was when she was 4 months and she in the concerning category for every category. It turned out to be a temporary issue which improved with proper reflux treatment and getting her allergies diagnosed and removing them from her diet.

You need to go into the school system knowing they're there to help as much as they can. They're not trying to trick you or catch you out. These tests aren't exams for you and your child to pass or fail. It's how they get to know your kiddo, make sure they're aware of your son's capabilities. They'll probably care more about what he can do than can't- focus on that!

Children aren't linear, not being able to use scissors doesn't make him 'behind', there is no rulebook. He'll be ok!

I do understand that but equally if there’s something I can do to help him that would be good to know too.

That's definitely the right attitude to have.
I assume that it won't be until September that they have plenty of time to either learn the skills or have a support plan put in place. My daughter started this September and there have been a couple of kids in her school that have needed some support with starting school and they have had adjustments out in places to help them through the first half term