Summer is a time for sunshine, play, and making memories, but for many families, it also brings the exciting (and sometimes emotional) countdown to nursery or pre-school. Whether your little one is starting for the first time or heading back after the holidays, preparing over the summer can make all the difference in helping them feel confident, calm, and ready for the next big step.
At Great Little Trading Co. we believe that growing minds thrive in happy spaces. With the right tools and a little structure, you can gently ease your child into their school routine, while creating a home environment that nurtures independence, curiosity, and joy.
Create a Calm, Child-Friendly Learning Space
Having a dedicated learning space at home for your preschooler helps them associate certain spaces with focus and creativity. A child-sized desk and chair is a practical way to get them used to sitting, concentrating, and enjoying solo or guided activities.
This space doesn’t need to be big. A corner of a bedroom or living room, fitted with the right furniture and well-organised storage, can become their very first 'classroom'. This encourages routine, builds confidence, and allows them to take pride in their own space.
Try: our range of children’s desks and chairs, designed for comfort and scaled just right for little learners.
Encourage Play with a Purpose
Educational toys aren’t about drills or pressure; they’re about sparking joy and discovery. Over summer, use educational toys for toddlers that encourage problem-solving, storytelling, fine motor skills, or imaginative role-play. These build the kind of foundational skills that help children settle confidently into a nursery or pre-school environment.
Think: stacking toys, alphabet toys, , and playsets that reflect everyday life (kitchens, shops, etc.).
Tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh. Read our Toys Rotation Blog
Make Organisation a Shared Adventure
Learning how to tidy up, pack their own bag, and care for their things is a big part of starting school. Introduce this now by giving your child ownership of their own toy boxes, book shelves, or backpack hooks.
Our child-friendly storage makes it easy for little hands to reach, sort, and put away, turning tidying into a routine rather than a battle. It also helps reinforce that everything has a place, just like it will at school.
Top pick: Hooks, book storage, toy bins
Build Gentle Routines
Even if your summer days are relaxed, lightly introducing a morning and evening rhythm will pay off. Get them involved in getting dressed, choosing a book before bed, or doing a short activity after breakfast at their "school desk."
The goal isn't to make summer rigid, but to help your child become familiar with the kind of structure they’ll encounter at school, in a fun, reassuring way.
Talk About What’s Coming
Children process changes through conversation and play. Talk positively about nursery or pre-school, read storybooks that reflect the experience, and involve them in choosing items for their "school corner" at home. Let them decorate, pack their bag, or pick their favourite toy for their desk.
Other ideas
- Practice Independence - Encourage small self-care habits:
- Putting on shoes
- Using the toilet
- Washing hands
- Packing their own bag
Framed positively, this builds pride and confidence.
- Build Social Skills - Arrange short playdates or trips to the park where your child can:
- Take turns
- Share toys
- Meet new children
Even simple group exposure helps prepare them emotionally.
- Play Pretend “School” - Set up a simple role-play with their toys or siblings.
- Set up a simple role-play with their toys or siblings.
- Include snack time, tidy-up songs, circle time, anything to make the new structure feel familiar and fun.
- Label Their Emotions - Help children express how they feel using words.
- Practice saying things like “I’m sad”, “I’m excited”, “I miss Mummy”. This helps staff support them too.
Preparing for school is about more than uniforms and lunchboxes. It’s about helping your child feel safe, excited, and empowered. With thoughtfully designed products and a bit of planning, you can create a space that supports their journey.
Because when it comes to big steps, little learners need one thing above all: a happy space to grow.
Discover our Back to School collection today.
