Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

School can seem a big step for both children and parents. It’s normal for every child to develop at a slightly different pace. There are lots of activities you can do with your child to help them develop the skills they need for school.

It is never too early to start preparing children for school, as the skills they develop from a young age can help them feel more confident, independent, and ready to learn

For further support on topics and advice please see our collection on school readiness.

To watch our Family Centre Service Transitions webinar please click here
If you have concerns do speak to your Health Visitor or Family Support worker from the Family Centre  who can support your further.

Useful Links

Starting Reception – how to develop your child’s key skills a government back guide

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust is responsible for the writing, publishing and updating of the content on this page.

ChatHealth Logo

Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-5 years called ChatHealth. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a health visitor within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the service reopens.

  • ChatHealth messaging service:

    text

    07480 635164
  • Family Centre Service (Health Visiting and Family Support):

    phone

    0300 123 7572

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

This page was last reviewed on 11-05-2026

This page will be next reviewed on 11-05-2029