School readiness

Supporting your child to start school

Starting school can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time for you and your child. Your little one is about to take a big step and start a new chapter of their life.

Here are some tips to help make this transition go as smoothly as possible:

• Talk about their school – as soon as your child’s place is confirmed start talking about their new school: name of the school, location, the daily routine, teachers and anything else you know about the school. These conversations can be very exciting for you both.
• Get familiar with the school run – the summer holidays is the ideal time to practice the school run. Get them excited about their new adventure.
• Tidying up – encourage your little one to get involved in tidying up activities.
• School uniform – trying on their uniform is a great opportunity for your little one to practise fastening and unfastening zips, buttons and Velcro. If your child is taking a packed lunch to school let them choose their own lunch box.
• Language development – enjoy lots of reading time with your little one
• Writing their own name – get lots of practice in before school starts.
• Self care:
  • Wiping their nose
  • Telling the teacher if they are not feeling well
  • Toilet training
• Before starting school ensure that your child knows how to:
  • wipe themselves properly and pull up their pants
  • flush the toilet
  • wash their hands thoroughly

School readiness checklist