Every activity has been carefully chosen by experienced primary teachers and approved by Occupational Therapists to develop the skills children use every day at school.
Research consistently shows that school readiness involves much more than knowing letters and numbers.
Skills such as coordination, attention, self-regulation, communication and fine motor development play an important role in helping children settle into school and engage successfully in learning.
Studies have found that strong school readiness skills are linked with better academic outcomes throughout primary school and beyond.
The Foundations We Build
Has your child already started school?
For some children, the real challenge of starting school only becomes apparent once they're in the classroom.
The jump from an early childhood environment to a busy school day can be bigger than expected. Children are suddenly navigating new routines, listening for longer periods, managing their belongings, using classroom tools, following instructions, waiting their turn and working more independently — all while learning new academic skills.
If your child is finding some of these things difficult, they may simply need more time, practice and support to develop the underlying skills. Ready Steady School provides a supportive, hands-on environment where children can practise these skills and build confidence at their own pace.
Your child will benefit if they:
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find it difficult to concentrate or listen during group activities
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struggle with classroom routines or following instructions
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become frustrated by writing, cutting or other fine-motor tasks
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find it hard to work independently
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need support with confidence and persistence
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are finding the transition from daycare or preschool to school overwhelming
The programme isn't about adding more academic work to your child's day. It's about strengthening the foundational skills that make learning and participating in the classroom easier.
Ready Steady School is suitable for children who have recently started school as well as those preparing to start.
Fine Motor Development
Strong fingers support strong writing.
Children strengthen the muscles needed for pencil control, drawing, cutting and classroom tasks through hands-on activities such as buttoning, peg work, construction challenges, craft work, and tool use.
These activities build hand strength, coordination and confidence.
Gross Motor Development
Strong bodies support successful learners.
Movement activities build balance, coordination, body awareness and core strength - all important foundations for sitting comfortably, managing classroom spaces and participating in group learning experiences.
Sensory Exploration
Through purposeful sensory experiences, children develop focus, attention, problem-solving skills and confidence exploring new materials and environments.
Helping children feel comfortable, regulated and ready to learn.
Focus and Coordination
Strong coordination supports successful learners.
Through engaging movement patterns and coordination challenges, children develop the skills needed for reading, writing, focus and classroom participation.
These activities strengthen left-right coordination, visual tracking, motor planning and concentration - important foundations for learning success.
Supporting Parents Too
Drawing on her experience as a primary teacher and parent, Leah shares practical strategies to help families support their child's confidence, independence and adjustment to school, including:
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Creating positive school routines
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Supporting independence and responsibility
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Building resilience and confidence
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Supporting children with the challenges of school
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Helping children develop positive learning habits
Parents gain practical tools, reassurance and a clear understanding of how to support their child during this important milestone.
Starting School Resource Pack
Every family receives a comprehensive take-home resource pack at the beginning of the programme.
The pack includes Leah Corbett's book Starting School: A New Adventure, a school readiness workbook with practice activities, and practical ideas families can use at home to continue building the skills introduced during each session.
Designed by teachers, these resources help parents feel confident supporting their child's transition to school long after each weekly session has finished.
Every child receives a copy of Starting School: A New Adventure as part of the programme.
Social Confidence
Building self-esteem and peer relationships.
Children learn to:
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Participate in a group
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Take turns
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Follow instructions
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Wait patiently
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Work alongside others
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Join in with confidence
These are often some of the most important skills teachers notice during a child's first weeks at school.
What people say about us
"I would recommend Ready Steady School because it's fun and it's teaching things to kids in a way that we don't always think of, a playful way. I have noticed that my girls are now more aware about what to do and understanding of the rules around following instructions in order to get something done, they listen more."
- Jennifer
My child’s confidence has grown, his social skills, ball skills, hand and body coordination skills and resilience have improved, along with the ability to follow directions from teachers and concentrate which are critical for success at school. I was able to trust that they formulated the activities based on scientific evidence and their personal experiences at school of what works and what doesn’t and what skills new school students really need.
Leah and Lianne were very approachable about any questions I had in order to give my child the very best chance to have a head start.
- June
"The structured activities and developing relationships with new teachers is great preparation for school. My son has increased his confidence with interacting with people outside his usual circle."
- Anonymous feedback
Leah and Lianne have worked with my son for the past 4 weeks and I'm so pleased with the improvements I've seen. He can now hold scissors and pencils properly and I can see from his face how much easier it is for him to complete tasks. Definitely recommend this programme!
- Mel
"My 5-year-old son has enjoyed the classes and built confidence and skills over the 8-weeks! The kaiako, Leah and Lianne, thoughtfully prepare so many amazing activities for the tamariki and keep them engaged for the whole session. It’s inspiring as a parent, giving me so many ideas for new ways to teach my kids at home. The teachers are so calm and patient with the children and make it so fun for them."
- Zoe
I thought my daughter was getting enough from her daycare but it's been great to see her resilience improve with such specific activities. She used to give up as soon as things were even the slightest bit hard but Lianne and Leah have worked on that with her and she works through it, the satisfaction on the other side has been so great to witness. I am thrilled we signed up. I think she'll feel more confident about starting next year now.
- Portia