School Readiness: It’s Not Just About Writing Your Name
It feels like September is creeping up fast and it’s definitely not sunk in yet that my youngest will be joiing my eldest and going to school every day.
How is this possible?
Both of my girls will be in school from September and they are now technically ‘too old’ for Little Story Shapers.
This brings a tear to my eye as they are the whole reason I set up my classes. They have tested every single idea, prop, song and book. I’ve practised and trialled out new ideas on them and ultimately when my eldest was born she was the inspiration for me setting up my business. I knew I wanted to run drama classes, but I needed to make it work around having a young baby. I started reading to her, using silly voices, incorporating sensory props into our stories and just like that Little Story Shapers was born.
But now my youngest is starting school and it feels like the end of an era which I’m deeply saddened by.
I’m clinging to the fact LSS has been integral to their early development and it’s set them up perfectly for starting school.
This is always my main aim with our classes; to set our little ones up for future success.
“Thank you for being such a big part of my early motherhood journey.”
“I know your classes have set her up for success in her new setting.”
These comments were written in a Thank you Card to me this week and I couldn’t ask for anything more. To know that I have helped set a child up for success and been part of your early motherhood journeys is amazing.
Starting school isn’t about being able to write your name or count to 10.
When we talk about getting our little ones ready for school, most people think of things like writing their name or counting to 10. But true school readiness is so much more than ticking academic boxes.
It’s about helping children become confident, curious, and communicative. And that starts long before Reception.
What Does “School Readiness” Really Mean?
The term “school readiness” doesn’t just refer to knowing numbers or letters. A school-ready child is one who can:
- 🧠 Understand and use a rich vocabulary
- 💬 Communicate their needs and feelings clearly
- 👂 Listen and take turns
- 👫 Make friends and play cooperatively
- 🧘 Manage emotions in a group setting
These are the skills that help children thrive in a school environment—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.
📊 The Stats: Many Preschool Children Aren’t School Ready
According to the Education Policy Institute, 28% of children in England aren’t school ready by age 5. For children from disadvantaged backgrounds, that figure rises to over 40%.
This lack of readiness can lead to challenges later on in school—lower confidence, difficulty following routines, and struggles with communication or friendships.
📚 Why Storytelling Matters
Language is the foundation of all learning. And the best way to build strong language skills? Stories.
At Little Story Shapers, our sessions are designed to spark imagination, grow confidence, and build vocabulary through the power of storytelling.
If you’re searching for storytelling classes or baby and toddler classes in Essex, our play-based, story-led approach offers something truly unique.
How Little Story Shapers Helps with our Preschool Classes
Our sessions are more than just fun—they’re developmentally rich experiences that support school readiness in all the right ways.
✨ We help children:
- Build vocabulary through engaging, age-appropriate stories
- Learn turn-taking, listening and social interaction
- Express emotions through play and drama
- Gain confidence through creative, movement-based storytelling
- Transition comfortably into group settings
Whether your child is starting school next year or just beginning their early years journey, we’ll help them thrive.
🧸 Preschool Classes in Essex – That Do More Than Just Entertain
If you’re looking for preschool classes in Essex that go beyond nursery rhymes and soft play, Little Story Shapers offers a place where your child can:
- Hear beautiful language weekly
- Learn through imaginative storytelling
- Develop key social and emotional skills
- Make friends, laugh, and grow
Our unique approach combines early learning goals with joyful, play-based experiences—all wrapped around a story.
🎉 Give Your Child the Best Start
The early years are a golden window for development. 90% of brain development happens before age five, which makes these moments count.
Join us at Little Story Shapers—where little minds grow through big stories.
Because being school ready isn’t about worksheets…
It’s about being ready to learn, connect, and shine.
👉 Learn more about our classes in Essex
📍 Based in Essex | Perfect for babies, toddlers & preschoolers
📆 Book your trial session today!
