One Book, One City: How a Shared Story Is Helping Children Step Confidently into School

Starting school is one of those big childhood moments — exciting, full of possibility, and sometimes a little bit wobbly. New routines, new faces, new spaces… It’s a lot for young children to take in.

That’s why, this year, we’re doing something simple but powerful: every nursery, childminder and school across Birmingham is using the same transition book with children.

We use the same story across all settings because it offers children a steady thread of consistency, confidence and connection as they move into school. 

Where the idea came from

This whole approach began with a brilliant piece of practice shared at our District Steering Group meeting. Colleagues from the Northfield District talked about the work they’d done last year as part of the Developing Local Provision Project. They had used a shared text across their nurseries and schools to support transition — and the impact was genuinely inspiring. 

Practitioners said it opened up richer conversations about feelings, friendships and starting school. Children arrived in reception already familiar with the characters and themes, which helped them settle more confidently. And teams across the district felt more connected, with a shared purpose and shared language. 

We left that meeting thinking, Why keep this to one district when it could benefit children across the whole city? So this year, we’re taking that learning and spreading it wider — so every child can experience the same sense of continuity and belonging. 

Why One Shared Book Makes Such a Difference

A Familiar Anchor in a Brand‑new World

Walking into school for the first time can feel huge. But spotting a story you already know? That’s comforting. A shared book gives children something steady to hold onto as everything else changes.

A Gentle Way to Explore Big Feelings

Starting school brings excitement, nerves, curiosity and pride — sometimes all at once. A shared story helps children talk about those feelings safely, through characters and moments they recognise. 

A Sense of Community across the Whole Early Years System

There’s something lovely about knowing that children in nurseries, childminders’ homes and reception classes are all turning the same pages. It connects us. It creates a shared experience. It builds a “we’re in this together” feeling. 

Continuity for Children Who Need It Most

Some children thrive on predictability. Others need extra time to process change. A shared book means they don’t have to start from scratch when they walk through the school gates — they’ve already met the story, the ideas and the language. 

Endless Learning Opportunities

One book can spark vocabulary, creativity, role play, storytelling, emotional literacy, and so much more. And because every setting is using it, children get multiple layers of experience that deepen their understanding. 

And It’s Not Just for Children in Settings…

We want every child starting school to feel part of this shared experience — including those who aren’t currently in an early years setting.

That’s why we’re working on getting copies of the book into local libraries across the city, so families can borrow it, read it together, and join in with the same story everyone else is exploring.

And if you’re looking for simple, playful ideas to try at home, the 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five app is full of activities linked to the themes in the book.

From exploring feelings to trying new adventures, families can dip into the app and build confidence and curiosity in everyday moments. 

Your turn — be part of it

This only works because we’re doing it together. So we’d love you to join in: 

• Read the book with your children

• Build it into play and conversation

• Share your ideas, activities and moments of magic

• Encourage families to borrow the book from local libraries

• Point them to the 50 Things app for linked activities 

By joining in, you’re helping create a city‑wide moment of connection for our youngest learners.

One book, many settings, hundreds of children turning the same pages. A small idea with a big impact.

There’s something wonderful about a whole city sharing the same story. We can’t wait to see and hear what you do!