Anxious about son starting Reception

[Junibug]

So my 4 year old son is starting Reception tomorrow. He has Downs Syndrome and will be attending the same mainstream primary school as his older sister. My husband and I made the choice to send him to a mainstream as opposed to a SEN school and I was, and am, totally onboard with that. But, I can't help feeling super anxious. I know we will probably have to move him at some point, but I'm just so worried he will be 'lost' in the learning environment and not taught any thing substantial. Doesn't help that he's pre-verbal and has no numeracy or literacy skills to speak of.

Not particularly looking for advice, maybe just a little handhold. I don't really know. Just airing my worries I guess! He's a lovely boy, very affectionate, funny, and so switched on when he wants to be. I know his happiness is the main thing that matters, and I think he will genuinely love being at school, but part of me feels very sorry for him (and myself more I guess) that he will so rapidly move apart from his peers.

Thanks for reading x

Hi there, don’t have much advice but didn’t want to read and run. It’s normal to be nervous about your child’s first day in Reception. I teach Reception and can tell you the environment will be great for him. Reception is very play based, and the children have lots of free play. Much of the day is child-initiated, so will be at the level that is right for the child. The staff will support him with his speech and communication, and find ways to enable him to engage in the learning at his level. There is always a very wide range of starting points, so staff are used to making things accessible for all different children. There will also be lots of opportunity for outside play and physical play, too. It must be hard to see the gap seem to widen as other children progress at different rates, but try to focus on your child and the wonderful progress that he will undoubtedly make. He sounds wonderful and ready for it by the sounds of it! Good luck tomorrow xx