Support for children starting nursery school: Healthy routines

Simple everyday routines can help your child feel happy, healthy, and ready to learn. Good sleep, healthy eating, personal care skills, and opportunities to talk and play all help children develop the confidence and independence they need for school and beyond.

These habits are not just about preparing for school. They help children build important life skills that support their wellbeing, learning, and development every day.

Sleep and bedtime routines

A good night's sleep helps children concentrate, manage their emotions, and enjoy learning.

Try to:

• keep bedtime and wake-up times the same each day where possible.
• aim for 10 to 13 hours of sleep each night for children aged 3-5 years.
• turn off TVs, tablets, phones, and other screens at least one hour before bedtime.
• follow a calming bedtime routine, such as:
  • having a bath
  • brushing teeth
  • reading a story together
  • talking about the day

A predictable bedtime routine can help your child feel secure and make it easier for them to fall asleep.

More information about sleep and bedtime routines

You can get more information from:

• The Sleep Charity (external website)
• Betsi Cadwalader Sleep Advice (external website)

Personal hygiene and self-care

Encouraging children to look after themselves helps them feel confident and independent.

Support your child to:

• use the toilet independently and tell an adult if they need help
• wipe, flush, and wash their hands after using the toilet
• use a tissue when they cough or sneeze and put it in the bin afterwards
• wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outside
• brush their teeth twice a day - use this two-minute Cyw S4C video (external website) to help make the routine a fun time for your child

These skills help children stay healthy and feel more confident during the school day.

More information about personal hygiene and self-care

You can get more informaiton from:

• Public Health Wales: Dental health for children (external website)
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board: Healthy eating for children (external website)
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board: General Dental Services (external website)

Building independence

Giving children opportunities to do things for themselves helps prepare them for everyday school life.

Encourage your child to:

• put on and take off their coat independently.
• practice using zips, buttons, and Velcro fastenings.
• put on their shoes by themselves.
• open their lunchbox, snack containers, and drinks bottle.
• help tidy away toys and belongings.

Remember, learning these skills takes time and practice. Praise your child's efforts and celebrate their progress.

Healthy eating and morning routines

A healthy breakfast helps children feel energised and ready for the day ahead.

Ideas include:

• wholegrain cereal
• toast
• fruit
• yogurt
• milk or water to drink

Creating a calm morning routine can also help children start their day feeling positive and prepared.

Communication and emotional wellbeing

Children need to feel confident expressing their thoughts, feelings, and needs.

You can help by:

• talking together throughout the day.
• asking simple questions and listening to their answers.
• giving choices, such as "Would you like an apple or a banana?"
• encouraging them to talk about how they feel.
• playing games that involve listening and taking turns, such as 'Simon Says' or simple board games.

These activities help children develop the communication and social skills they need to make friends and ask for help when needed.

More information about communication and emotional wellbeing

You can get more information from the following webpages:

• Social and emotional development
• Speech, language and communication