Transition to School

18-05-2018

Transitioning your child into Primary School is a big milestone. Our aim is to provide families with detailed information to ensure that you can start preparing and know what to expect. This information is collated based on a collection of frequently asked questions by families at our services.

IS MY CHILD READY FOR SCHOOL?

Age

In New South Wales, your child must turn five on or before 31st July in the year they start school. All children must be enrolled in school by the time they turn six.

Development

Most children are not competent in all areas of development, as they all develop at a different pace. When thinking about whether your child is ready for school, here are some things to look for:

Emotional Regulation

Children who are able to emotionally regulate should be able to do some or most of the following:

  • Separate confidently during drop-offs
  • Ability to cope with the unexpected
  • Showing empathy and sympathy
  • Awareness of their own feelings, and of others.
  • Enjoy moments of solitude and recognise their own achievements
Social Skills

Children who have strong social skills should be able to do some or most of the following:

  • Understanding how to make and maintain friendships
  • An awareness of what is fair and unfair
  • Confidence in contributing their ideas in a group setting
  • Able to initiate and maintain conversations, answer and ask questions.
  • The ability to negotiate in order to resolve conflict.
Independence

Children who developing independence for school should be able to do some or most of the following:

  • Self-motivated
  • Toilet trained & able to maintain personal hygiene
  • Ability to dress themselves
  • Ability to take responsibility for their belongings
  • Taking considered risks and awareness of personal safety
Cognitive Skills
  • Can successfully follow two-step instructions and routines
  • Ability to recount and recall previous experiences and events
  • Ability to independently extend on play in creative ways
  • Early literacy and numeracy knowledge (Eg; counting, recognising letters in their names…)
  • Persisting in a task, even when experiencing difficulty

SETTING GOALS

It is important for families to establish goals at the start of the year and discuss this with your child’s educator. This is to assist all stakeholders involved in your child’s learning with a better understanding of their developmental needs to prepare them for school.

When setting goals, think about your child’s strengths and areas for improvement in the home environment. Reflect on the points listed in the section as a starting point.

FINDING A SCHOOL

Your local public school will depend on the specific area you reside in. These are called ‘catchments’.

For more information visit  http://online.det.nsw.edu.au/schoolfind/locator/

OPEN DAYS

Many schools hold Open Days to provide families with an opportunity to tour the school’s environment and facilities, see classrooms in action, and to provide answers to any questions you may have.

ORIENTATION DAYS

Once you have chosen and enrolled your child in a school, orientation days are often planned towards the end of the year before they start. Orientation days can vary from a few hours to half days, which provide children the opportunity to spend time in a school environment.

INFORMATION EVENINGS

At Explore & Develop, we provide information evenings annually for families to gain a better understanding about the process of transitioning your child to school. These are not limited to, but can include guest speakers from local schools, occupational therapists, school counsellors or other professionals in the industry.

FOOD PREPARATION

We believe that healthy eating and good nutrition is essential for children’s development and learning. Families are encouraged to pack healthy morning tea/ lunch options for children to take to school. For more information regarding healthy eating, visit:
https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au and http://healthylunchbox.com.au/

REST/SLEEP

Unlike Preschool, children are not provided with opportunities for an afternoon nap in school. Families are encouraged to begin transitioning children towards the last quarter of the year to allow for smooth transitions. It is best to discuss this with your child’s teacher to work towards personal goals.

Click here to download your copy of our School Transition Booklet or ask your local Explore & Develop Early Childhood Education & Care service for a copy. 

REFERENCES

ECIA NSW/ACT. (2018). Transition to School Resource. 

Kids Matter. (2018). Thinking About Transition to School. Retrieved from https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/starting-school/1-thinking-about-transition-school.

NSW Government (Education). (2017, March). Retrieved from NSW Transition To School Statement: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/working-in-early-childhood-education/transition-to-school

Tansey, S. (2008). School Readiness and Transition to School. Retrieved from National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc.: http://ncac.acecqa.gov.au/educator-resources/factsheets/qias_factsheet_13_school_transition.pdf

Therapies for Kids. (2016). School Readiness Information Night. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.