02/09/2026
As families across Braintree prepare their children for their first day at school, Hailey Amani, the owner of Little City - Braintree & Bishop's Stortford is encouraging parents to focus on communication, confidence and independence alongside letters and numbers.
With thousands of four-year-olds preparing to start reception next week, many families will be thinking about school readiness. But while parents might be concerned about whether their child can recognise letters or count to ten, Little City believes that some of the most important skills a child can have before starting school are developed through everyday play.
Hailey says: “Starting school is a huge milestone for any parent, whether it’s your first child or your fourth. As the start of term approaches, it’s normal to wonder if your child is ready to cope with the school day. But parents need to remember that preparing for school isn’t just about academic skills. If a child has learned how to communicate with others, is comfortable taking turns or sharing toys, and can follow simple instructions, they’ll feel more comfortable in new situations.”
Hailey has welcomed hundreds of children to Little City’s role-play sessions and has seen how playing can naturally boost a child’s confidence, improve their social skills, and help them become more independent.
Little City Braintree & Bishops Stortford sessions take place in various locations across Braintree, Halstead, Coggeshall, Bishops Stortford, Dunmow, Stansted and surrounding areas. During each session, children can explore a range of imaginative role play in real-life scenarios, from supermarkets and beauty salons to veterinary surgeries and post offices. While they are having fun, they naturally develop problem-solving, communication, and confidence skills which will help them as they transition into school.
Booking link in the comments.
