Children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage and experience ongoing academic and social success.
Starting school is a significant event in the life of children and their families. Strong relationships and information sharing between families, early childhood settings and schools help support a child's successful transition to school.
When to Start?
Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5, on or before 31 July that year. By law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
When your child starts school is an individual decision. You may wish to discuss this with your child's preschool teacher, carer, doctor or your local primary school. Our teachers are trained to work with your child regardless of their age or level of development.
Children develop at different rates and learn skills in different ways. Your school will respond to the needs, learning styles and rates of progress of individual students. Schools also plan learning experiences based on the skills students bring with them to school.
Orientation Day
Most schools have orientation days towards the end of the year to welcome children starting Kindergarten the following year. Many schools also have transition to Kindergarten programs, held over several weeks in the second half of the year. Contact your local school for details.
The school year starts in late January, after the summer vacation period. The school calendar lists school term dates.
Here are a list of links to websites that will help you to support your child in transitioning to school:
- Is my child ready to start school?
- Transition to School for children with disabilities
- Starting School NSW Public Schools
- Kidsmatter Thinking about Transition to School
- Preparing for Kindergarten
- Reading with your child
