I have just submitted DS's primary application. Now what?

[SomebodySaveMe]

What does he need to master this year before starting school? Does he need a basic understanding of phonics? Be able to write his name? He can use a fork but not really a knife and can just about dress himself.

Any advice would be brilliant.

Feed himself, dress himself, toilet himself, share, listen, recognise his name when written. And that's pretty much it!

You'll need an understanding of phonics though

IME the most important thing of all is bottom-wiping (Aug born DS3, just into Y1, STILL hasn't quite mastered it, despite the 'underneath technique for short arms' )

My friend who teaches reception says that providing they have mastered:

toileting
dressing
sitting still on the carpet
walking in lines

she can do the rest :)

Go to the loo totally unaided - including wiping - and to be unfazed by unfamiliar loos and other children around.

Blow own nose and throw away a tissue properly.

Be able to dress and undress (if full changing for PE likely) including shoes.

Hang up a coat.

Use knife and fork (even if packed lunch likely, as this is a good age to learn competency).

Recognise name (no need to tackle other reading, unless you think he's ready for it).

Also, be familiar with books - which way up, page turning; count to ten; recognise colours; sit quietly for a few minutes; take turns; hold a pencil and draw/'write'; use paint without spraying it everywhere.

Make a decision eg. What to eat for lunch, so they can choose if they have school lunches.

Sorry to sound like a dimwit OP, but when you say, you have submitted his primary application, what do you mean? Applied to the school?
Our on-line County application forms have to be submitted by Jan 19th 2013, I think......

The county applications. We have until jan as well but I wanted it done.

oh, I see, thank you.