Starting School in Harrow
Starting primary school is an exciting milestone, though it can also bring a few nerves for both you and your child. Find practical guidance and local support to help you start with confidence and ease.
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Explore useful resources and support
Starting School Guidance
Starting Reception Guide
The Starting Reception Guide sets out the key everyday skills that support children as they begin their school journey.
These include independence in daily routines such as:
- Getting dressed
- Using the toilet
- Managing belongings
- Using cutlery
Alongside these practical skills, the guide also highlights the importance of sharing, turn-taking, managing emotions, and following routines. These social and emotional foundations support children as they begin to build relationships and learn in Reception.
Cbeebies Starting School Activities
A collection of articles, activities and learning tips to help children prepare for primary school, including phonics, friendships, and homework.
NHS Start for Life
Support from NHS Start for Life to help your 3–5-year-old develop language and communication skills through everyday conversations, storytelling, and play-based learning.
Tips for healthier screen time
Advice from Health Professionals for Safer Screens on building healthy screen habits — including limiting screen use under age 2, keeping devices out of bedrooms, and encouraging daily physical activity to support family life and school routines.
Family Support
Organisations supporting families in Harrow
Activities & School Holiday Clubs in Harrow
Funded School Holiday Camps
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is a Department for Education (DfE) funded programme, brought to you by Harrow Council in partnership with the Young Harrow Foundation.
The HAF Programme is for children and young people, from Reception to Year 11, who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) benefits-related. The programme is fully funded and includes daily nutritious meals and fun activities during the main school holidays (Winter, Easter and Summer).
From sports to arts and crafts, including specialist SEND support, there's something for every child to enjoy.
Latest news
Children’s University: Unlocking Potential Beyond the Classroom
Over the past two weeks, children from Aylward Primary School, Elmgrove Primary School and St John Fisher Catholic Primary School swapped their school uniforms for caps and gowns as they graduated from Children’s University in the magnificent Old Speech Room at Harrow School.
Thousands of children across Harrow are set for a summer to remember as the HAF Programme returns.
Eligible Children across Harrow can spend their summer building dens in woodland, learning new football skills, creating music, performing on stage, cooking healthy meals and making new friends, as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme returns for Summer 2026.
Fourteen Short Breaks providers come together to strengthen support for SEND families in Harrow.
Fourteen Short Breaks providers met with Harrow Council's CYAD (Children and Young Adults with Disabilities) team this week in a session designed to strengthen how support reaches children and young people with SEND across the borough
Spring is almost here and so is HAF: Free Easter holiday clubs open for booking in Harrow
The programme is open to children and young people from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related Free School Meals. Every programme offers children a free nutritious meal.
