September means new uniforms, new teachers and new beginnings. For thousands of children across the UK, it also means taking that enormous first step through the school gates and into Reception.
But being “school ready” is about much more than putting on a uniform and walking into the classroom. It’s about being able to listen and follow instructions, communicate what you need, spend time away from a parent or carer, play alongside other children, take turns and have the confidence to join in.
And these are all skills that children can begin developing long before their first day at school.
More than 1 in 3 children aren’t school ready
The latest School Readiness Survey from Kindred² found that 37% of children who started Reception in September 2025 were considered not school ready by school staff, up from 33% the previous year.
The challenges identified weren’t simply academic. 37% struggled to listen or respond to simple instructions, 32% became overly upset when away from a parent, and 26% struggled to communicate their needs.
The findings are an important reminder that school readiness is about the whole child – their social, emotional, communication and physical development, as well as what they know.
And while no single activity can make a child school ready, sport can provide a brilliant environment in which to practise many of these important skills from a very young age, as we explored in how sports affect child development.
More than learning to play
At Foxes Club, we love seeing children learn to kick a football, hit a tennis ball or run with a rugby ball. But some of the most important things happening in a sports session have very little to do with sporting technique.
Children are listening to their coach, following instructions, taking turns and sharing equipment. They’re getting used to being part of a group and interacting with other children. They’re building the confidence to try something new and discovering that when something doesn’t work first time, they can simply have another go — something we see reflected in how football builds confidence in kids.
These are skills that matter on the pitch, but they matter in the classroom too.
Sport gives children opportunities to practise them naturally through games and play. A coach might ask a child to stand on a spot, kick their football towards a cone or wait while somebody else takes their turn. To the child, it’s simply part of the fun. At the same time, they’re learning to listen, understand an instruction and respond.
As children grow, they also begin to understand what it means to be part of a team – to share, encourage others and recognise that sometimes somebody else gets the ball or goes first, a theme we cover in why team sports matter for kids’ social development.
Why we start from 18 months
This is one of the reasons children can begin their Foxes Club journey from as young as 18 months old, through our dedicated Early Years & Schools programme.
We’re not trying to create Premier League footballers, Wimbledon champions or England rugby stars before children have even started nursery. At this age, sport is first and foremost about play, exploration and enjoyment — the same philosophy behind how to introduce a child to sports at a young age.
Our youngest children run, kick, chase, balance and throw. But alongside those physical skills, they’re also watching and copying their coach, listening to simple instructions, getting used to taking turns and becoming more comfortable around other children.
The footballs, tennis rackets and cones might be what children see, but there is a huge amount of development happening around them.
Regular sessions can also help children grow in confidence and independence. A child who initially wants to stay close to Mum, Dad or their carer might gradually begin joining in, recognising their coach and becoming excited about playing with the rest of the group. Building this kind of consistency helps build lasting confidence over time.
These are small steps, but they can be meaningful ones.
Learning to try again
Sport also gives children plenty of opportunities to discover that things don’t always go to plan.
The football goes wide. The tennis ball doesn’t make it over the net. The rugby ball gets dropped.
With encouragement, children learn to have another go. Over time, those little moments can help build resilience and confidence – learning that getting something wrong is simply part of learning something new, as we discuss in the psychological benefits of sports for children.
At the same time, running, jumping, kicking, throwing and changing direction help develop coordination and fundamental movement skills. For young children, however, the aim isn’t perfect technique. It’s about becoming confident moving their bodies and learning that being active is fun.
Building Skills for School – and Beyond
Every child develops differently, and sport is just one part of the school readiness picture. But the Kindred² findings highlight how important it is to give young children opportunities to listen, communicate, take turns, join in and grow in confidence.
At Foxes Club, we see these skills developing through sport every week. It’s why our sessions start from as young as 18 months, creating a fun, positive environment where children can play, make friends, become more independent and discover a love of being active.
Because sport isn’t only about learning to kick a football, swing a tennis racket or run with a rugby ball. It’s about building skills that children can take with them into school – and far beyond.
Ready to play?
Discover Foxes Club sessions and give your little one the opportunity to play, learn, make friends and grow through sport. You can also explore our full range of activities or find a location near you.
