The city where primary school offers come with a toilet-training guide

In a recent survey by the children’s charity Kindred Squared, external, reception staff said they were spending 1.4 hours a day changing nappies and losing over two hours of teaching time a day on average to basic skills.

For first time, the government is giving guidance to schools, nurseries and childminders on how they should work together to help families get children ready for reception.

Schools are being asked to make closer connections with families as soon as they receive their primary offer, to encourage school visits before September and also work more closely with private nurseries to smooth the transition into reception class.

Across the country, ministers want more children to have ticked off the skills they need, external to be fully ready to start school before September.

They include a range of physical, emotional and social skills, such as:

Peter Roderick, director of public health for City of York Council, says parents should not feel pressured about reaching certain milestones, but instead reach out for support where necessary.

“I don’t think there’s a single parent who hasn’t asked themselves, ‘Is my child at the right stage, and what do I need to do to help them meet that?'” he says.

“It’s about making sure they know who to turn to and what tools, techniques and tips you need if your child is a bit behind.”

For parents Rachel and Rumayna, who both have daughters starting school in York in September, the prospect is both exciting and a little daunting.