Early Years New School Year Checklist: Everything You Need for a Successful Start
Posted by EYR Team on 6th Nov 2023
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The new school year brings a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and preparation. For early years settings, nurseries, and EYFS classrooms, it can also bring pressure to ensure everything is ready for a smooth and successful start.
A well-prepared classroom environment helps reduce stress, supports children’s transition, and allows educators to focus on what matters most: learning and development.
This comprehensive early years checklist covers everything you need to prepare for the new school year — from classroom organisation and storage to stationery, hygiene, furniture, and essential learning resources.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to the role, this checklist will help you start the term with confidence.
Classroom Storage Essentials for EYFS Settings
A well-organised classroom begins with effective storage solutions. In early years environments, structure and accessibility are key to helping children develop independence while keeping resources manageable for staff.
Why storage matters in early years classrooms
A clear and organised environment supports:
- calm, focused learning
- independence and self-selection
- reduced staff workload
- safer, clutter-free spaces
For simple storage tips, take a look at our blog post: Storage hacks for your classroom
Recommended storage solutions
Consider incorporating:
- Storage baskets for flexible organisation
- Stackable trays for daily classroom resources
- Mobile storage trolleys for easy access
- Furniture with built-in storage compartments
- Wicker baskets for natural learning environments
- Multi-functional storage units for small spaces
Stationery Essentials for the New School Year
Stationery is at the heart of every early years classroom. Having a well-stocked supply ensures smooth daily routines, uninterrupted learning, and creative flexibility.
Core stationery checklist
Make sure your setting is equipped with:
- Registers and exercise books
- Stickers and reward charts
- Pencils and pens
- Colouring pencils, pens, crayons, and chalk
- Rulers and measuring tools
- Glue sticks and sellotape
- Scissors (child-safe)
- Staplers and hole punches
- Clipboards for outdoor learning
- Whiteboard pens and resources
- Paper fasteners
- Display and presentation materials
Classroom tip
Create “stationery stations” so children can independently access commonly used items where appropriate.
Hygiene and Cleaning Essentials for Early Years Settings
Cleanliness and hygiene are essential in all educational environments, particularly in early years where children are more likely to explore through touch and shared resources.
Essential hygiene resources
Ensure your classroom includes:
- Disinfectant and sanitising spray
- Baby wipes or antibacterial wipes
- Hand sanitiser stations
- Tissues, hand towels, or paper rolls
- Dustpan and brush
- Floor cleaning tools (as appropriate)
Best practice reminder
Even with dedicated cleaning staff, having in-class hygiene supplies helps manage spills, illness prevention, and daily cleanliness efficiently.
Classroom Furniture for EYFS Learning Environments
Furniture plays a vital role in shaping how children interact with their learning space. The right setup encourages independence, creativity, and comfort.
Key furniture considerations
When preparing for the new school year, review:
- Display boards and learning walls
- Soft seating and reading corners
- Floor cushions for flexible learning
- Room dividers and zoning tools
- Carpets and mats for group time
- Child-friendly tables and seating
- Library and reading furniture
- Multi-purpose learning zones
Classroom design tip
Consider zoning your classroom into distinct areas such as:
- creative area
- reading corner
- role play zone
- construction space
Activity Essentials and Learning Resources
A well-prepared classroom includes a range of engaging resources to support both structured learning and play-based exploration.
Must-have activity resources
Include a variety of:
- Printable worksheets and downloadable activities
- Jigsaws and puzzles
- Storybooks and early reading materials
- Board games for turn-taking and social skills
- Role play toys and imaginative resources
These resources help support:
- early literacy and numeracy
- communication and language development
- social and emotional learning
- fine motor skill development
Final Thoughts: Preparing for a Successful School Year
A well-prepared early years classroom helps create a calm, structured, and engaging environment where children can thrive.
By ensuring your storage, stationery, hygiene, furniture, and activity resources are in place before term starts, you can focus on delivering high-quality learning experiences from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in an EYFS classroom checklist?
An EYFS checklist should include storage, stationery, hygiene supplies, furniture, and learning resources to support daily classroom activities.
How do you prepare an early years classroom for a new school year?
Preparation includes organising the environment, setting up learning zones, stocking essential resources, and ensuring health and safety supplies are in place.
Why is classroom organisation important in early years?
Good organisation supports independence, reduces stress, and helps children engage more effectively with learning materials.