We believe the best way to do this is by giving parents and carers an opportunity to discuss their child and how they can support them to be ready for school.
We'll be arranging face-to-face pre-school health reviews for all parents of pre-school children.
You will be contacted by a member of our health visiting team and offered an appointment at a local venue.
The meeting allows more time for us to offer you support and advice around school readiness if it is needed.
You can find out more about the 10 keys to school readiness on this page as well as lots of advice and support on getting your child ready to start school.
10 keys to unlocking school readiness
The 10 keys have been identified by Derbyshire parents, carers and professionals. These will help everyone understand what children developing typically for their age should be able to do by the time they start in reception class.
The 10 keys for unlocking school readiness are:
- I can settle happily without my parent or carer
- I can tell friends and grown-ups what I need
- I can take turns and share when I am playing
- I can go to the toilet on my own and wash my hands
- I can put on my own coat and shoes and feed myself
- I can tell a grown up if I am happy, sad or cross
- I know that what I do and say can make others happy or unhappy
- I am curious and want to learn and play
- I can stop what I am doing, listen and follow simple instructions
- I enjoy sharing books with grown-ups
Integrated review (progress check at age 2)
In Derbyshire, the process of sharing information, understanding skills and needs, and acting on issues arising, collectively builds the integrated review and is typically collated before the child is 2½ years old. Parents and carers are integral to this joint effort as they know their child best.
This collaborative project between health and education ensures all partners continue to work closely together to enable the best outcomes for every child; particularly those who are disadvantaged or where less than expected progress is being made. If required, early interventions can be done, and if required, referrals to other professionals can be made.
Please use the updated integrated review materials attached to this page.
If you need help with this area of work, please email cs.eys@derbyshire.gov.uk.
GOV.UK has useful guidance for early years providers about the progress check at age 2 and integrated reviews.
More help or advice
Don't be afraid to ask. Speak to your health visitor, children's centre staff, practice nurse or GP. And you can ask your child's childminder or nursery as they can help you find ways to support your child's development and school readiness.
A helpful guide to how your child is learning and developing in the first 5 years can be found on the Foundation Years website. The guide is titled 'What to expect, when? Guidance to your child's learning and development in the early years foundation stage'.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
The advice here is aimed at families whose children are developing typically for their age. Families whose children need extra support because of special needs or a disability are advised to speak to their health visitor or other professional.
More information can be found on the local offer.