what are kids expected to know / do when starting pre school

[pmgkt]

My ds1 is due to start pre school in September when he will be 3 years 2 months. He has never done nursery as I am a sahm. Can someone guide me as to what he should be doing by the time he starts. I was thinking along the lines of drawing, writing, reading, letters, numbers etc. I don't want him to be behind, and I know it won't hurt if he does know any of those things, but just want a gauge as to expectations.

Bump

There are no expectations at our pre school. Dd2 has learnt to do much of your list at pre school. Really pre school should be about interaction with peers, play and learning to separate from their carer and build relationships with other adults

I wouldnt worry too much about any of those... he's only 3. Maybe recognise his name and start toilet training. Listening for instructions and communicating his needs are probably most important.

Agree with esk

All we were asked to ensure before dc1 started was he was able to:
Fasten his own shoes
Dress mostly unaided
Can take himself to the toilet
Recognise his name
Be able to use a knife and fork (just so fingers aren't used, not particularly English etiquette iyswim)

No reading, spelling, writing etc
Just to be a little independent

We don't expect children to be able to do anything when they start with us. It's nice if they can put their own coat on and take it off. It's great if they are using the toilet independently and can wash their own hands. It makes our life a lot easier if they know how to share But we don't actually expect them to be able to do any of those things when they start.

Nothing, honest, just work on his self-confidence to be away from you.

Oh yes. And hard as it is, try not to show him you are worried or upset about leaving him. It is really really hard (and one of my own children used to cry when I left him so I do know firsthand) but the kindest thing is to drop and run. We rarely have a child who continues to be upset once mum is actually out of sight and we always phone parents after five/ten minutes and again mid session to reassure them. It does seem really cruel I know and to leave your child upset is heartbreaking

No expectation. Except being toilet trained if possible.

Nothing. Potty training only in our case

I would add to the things mentioned so far that where my dd1 went, they asked that they could drink from an open cup (rather than sippy cup).

DS is 30 months and his room at daycare is focused on getting them all ready for preschool. The list is: toilet training, drinking from real cups, coat, hat and shoes on and off unaided. Frankly, anyone who can get him to sit down when he doesn't want to is some kind of genius, even they aren't trying that yet

DS started in September aged exactly 3.Only requirements for his pre-school(part of a primary school) were toilet training and wearing clothes that were easy to pull up & down on their own in the toilet.If yours is a school year intake some of the others may be nearly 4 and may be drawing stick men,writing their name etc,but there was no expectation that DS should be doing that and they were mainly concerned about developing confidence,independence,sharing,taking turns etc.

Thanks for all your replies, its reassuring. He is already toilet trained, I'm getting there with dressing himself, and he is happy going to new groups already and just goes off by himself with minimal checking in with me so think that's as good as it gets at the moment. He is confident and is always making little friends at soft play. I am looking forward to him going as I think he needs the new challenge and that he will enjoy it. Just didn't want him to be behind. Thanks again for replies