Transition to School

Starting school is an exciting time of change for children and families. There are many things you can do to prepare for the change. Helping children to feel confident and positive about school will give them a good start.

Children's perceptions of themselves as learners and as someone who belongs at school are often formed early in their schooling.  

When children begin school, there is a lot for them to get used to. As a parent, you can help make the journey to this next phase of their life a wonderful experience.

The school environment is different in terms of academic expectations of school, the physical and social environment, and communication structures. Teachers and school staff are available to help you and your child transition smoothly to this next exciting phase in life’s journey.

Frequently asked questions

What is the importance of prior-to-school experiences?

Children bring a lot of experiences and knowledge to the school setting. Schools acknowledge this and use this prior knowledge as the basis for future learning. Most schools will conduct early assessments of your child to gain an understanding of your child’s needs. Examples of such assessment programs include Best Start and the PAT-R reading test.

The Board of Studies NSW values and acknowledges prior-to-school learning. The new K–10 syllabuses for English, Mathematics, Science (incorporating Science and Technology) and History include a statement of prior-to-school learning and links to the Early years learning framework.

When will my child start school?

Children in NSW must be five years old by 31 July in the year in which they are enrolled and must be enrolled in a school by their sixth birthday.

How do I book my child into a school?

If you intend to have your child attend the local government school, you can begin to make inquiries about orientation days and preparations for starting school, the year before your child will be starting school.

You need to check, however, which local government school is deemed as your ‘in area’ school. Your ‘in area’ school is predetermined based on your home address and location of schools in the area. Schools can provide details as to streets that are part of their ‘in area’ zone. Your child is entitled to enrolment at the local school.

If you would like your child to attend a government school that is not your ‘in area’ school, you will need to contact the school to inquire about positions available.

Non-government schools have different policies and procedures for enrolment. Many schools accept applications soon after the birth of a child. If you intend to have your child attend a non-government school, you are advised to contact the school(s) of your choice as early as possible to learn more about their procedures. You may be required to pay a holding deposit or enrolment fee.

How do I assist my child transition to school smoothly?

Many schools, preschools and child care centres plan formal programs to assist children to transition to school easily and smoothly. Schools often organise programs that vary from school to school, but may include:

• visits to the school over several weeks
• buddy programs where senior students partner incoming kindergarten students to help them to learn about the school, to get to know some of the bigger students and to feel welcome. The buddies thoroughly enjoy these programs and your child will too
• orientation/information session for parents to learn more about the school, the curriculum and the routines of the school
• tours of the school to see where things are located, eg playgrounds, toilets
• spending time in a classroom with teachers and other children.

Once you know for certain which school your child will be attending, you can help your child transition by:

• referring to the school as your child’s school whenever you are passing by
• attending school fetes, fairs or community events
• completing your electoral voting at the school with your child present so the setting becomes more familiar to your child
• finding out from your preschool or day care centre which children from the centre will be attending the school. You can then organise play afternoons and get to know some other parents. This can also prove useful for establishing a mutual support network. This can assist when the need arises to share with other parents the collection of your child after school or for other related activities
• asking if your preschool is running a parent evening to provide information on school readiness
• purchasing your child’s school uniform and having them get used to wearing it.

There is a lot for children to get used to when they start school. Some will adapt more easily than others.

What types of transition programs are offered?

Transition to School programs usually involve activities for the children as well as parent information sessions, workshops or ‘getting to know you’ opportunities. Transition programs work most effectively when parents participate in short sessions with their children. Prior-to-school staff may also be invited to participate in activities and this may be the beginning of a collaborative partnership between schools, parents, prior-to-school services and where relevant, other community organisations. Each school operates within its own local context, so transition programs will vary from school to school.

Guidelines for Effective Transition to School suggest that programs should:

• establish positive relationships between the children, parents and educators
• facilitate each child’s development as a capable learner
• differentiate between ‘orientation to school’ and ‘transition to school’ programs
• draw upon dedicated funding and resources
• involve a range of stakeholders
• be well planned and effectively evaluated
• be flexible and responsive
• be based on mutual trust and respect
• rely on reciprocal communication among participants
• take into account contextual aspects of community, and of individual families and children within that community.

(Adapted from Transitions to School: Perceptions, Expectations and Experiences by Sue Dockett and Bob Perry)

How do I build my child’s confidence for school?

Some children adapt very easily to school. It is important that you do not display anxiety but talk about the excitement of attending school, without building this to an excessive level, and present school as the next interesting chapter in your child’s life.

Visit the library and borrow books about children going to school. Download stories your child may like to read and read them on a computer or tablet.

As a parent, reframe your questions about school, preschool and day care from, ‘What did you do today?’ to a more positive question such as ‘Tell me the best thing you did at school today’. This is a useful way of talking with your child after school – not just in kindergarten, but also throughout their schooling.

What else can I do?

• Start to get your child into regular sleep and waking hour routines. Children need to be in bed at a reasonable time so that they wake up refreshed. Do not have televisions or technology (eg computers or tablets) in the child’s room. If these items must be in the room, establish a routine, such as not allowing them to be on after dinner. This will help your child begin to relax and prepare for sleep.
• Establish packing away routines with toys and encourage your child to help with simple tasks around the home.
• Label your child’s belongings for school. Set a pattern that expensive toys and treasured items are not taken to school. If they get lost or broken, this can create a lot of anxiety for you and your child.
• Help your child learn to dress themselves in their uniform.
• Ensure your child can go to the toilet unassisted and teach them how to ask the teacher should they need to use the toilet during class time.
• Practise walking or travelling to school. Transport for NSW has useful guides for parents. This includes information on student bus travel.
• Become familiar with the many resources available to help keep your child safe as they journey to school, eg road safety education resources.
• Have your child help you pack their lunch. Remember schools are nut-free zones, so consider carefully what to provide in your child’s lunch box. Many parents make the mistake of over-packing the amount of food a child will need in a day and children struggle to eat it. If you are unsure, ask your child to bring home any uneaten lunch so you can gauge the amount of food that is acceptable. Think about easy-to-open lunch boxes, re-useable water bottles, sandwiches, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Relax! If you are stressed, your child may sense this and worry.

Some children have special or additional needs. If your child has an identified learning or other need, make sure you let the school know early so that a plan can be put into place to assist your child. Each plan will be different, so it is important to provide the school with all the information they will need to understand your child's needs.

How can I work best with my child’s school?

It is important for parents and teachers to work together and communicate effectively. Teachers are highly trained professionals who want to do the best for your child. It can help if you:

• let the teacher know if there is something happening at home that may be affecting your child
• let the teacher know about any health problems your child may have
• read all the school notices and reply as soon as possible
• get involved in school activities, eg attend children's reading sessions, join parents associations.

If you need to see the teacher, it is wise to make an appointment. Prior to school, teachers have meetings and preparation to complete. It is not a good idea to expect teachers to meet with you as they are taking the children into class in the morning. This is a crucial part in your child’s day and it is important the teacher follows the established routines every day.

Make an appointment to see the teacher if you are concerned about your child.

Children do best at school when their parents and teachers work together to support them.

What can I expect in the first few weeks of school?

Learning, meeting new people, playing and learning to adjust to a new environment are all very tiring for children. Often your child will want to rest after school. Try not to over-plan your child’s afternoons, particularly in the first term of school. You might need to:

• plan a light, nutritious snack for after school or give your child an early dinner as they may be more tired than usual
• encourage your child to talk about the good things that happened and do not pressure them to talk too much if they are not up to it. Some children like to wind down completely in a quiet environment after a busy day at school. Other children may be happy to draw about their day or play something completely unrelated to school
• make reading part of your daily routine. Reading to your child as they prepare for bed is a wonderful way to relax your child before bed, spend some quality time together and build the important skills of vocabulary, story structure and a love of reading
• pack a spare pair of underpants in your child’s bag. Talk to your child about how they can let the teacher know when they need to go to the toilet.

What can I do if my child is stressed?

It is important that you do not become overly anxious and stressed about school, as your child will pick up on your feelings. Some children become tearful and struggle to go to school. Remain calm but firm and reassuring. Try not to show stressed emotions, as this is often a signal to your child who will escalate the situation. Contact the school and seek their help. Often the teacher will be able to meet you and assist you during this period. Most children settle quite well once their parent has left the school, but if you need reassurance organise to ring the school. The teacher can leave a message for you at the office and you and your child will have a better day.

Encourage your child to talk about what exactly is worrying them. Ask your child what they think might help them settle.

Be clear in your expectations. Let your child know you are confident that they can manage. Letting the teacher know by letter or email is a good strategy, as the teacher will be there to help you. Your child’s older buddy may be a useful support in these situations as well.

Other resources

There is a wide range of resources that can help you understand schools, the curriculum and how you can continue to play a vital role in your child’s education.

Board of Studies NSW resources

New K–10 syllabuses

New South Wales joined the Australian Government and all other states and territories to develop an Australian curriculum. Through 2011 and 2012, the Board of Studies NSW developed new K–10 syllabuses for English, Mathematics, Science (incorporating Science and Technology K–6) and History that incorporate agreed Australian Curriculum content. View guides to the new K–10 syllabuses for teachers, schools and parents. 

Parent support booklets

The Board of Studies has produced some excellent books to help parents understand how they can assist their child in the early years. Helping your child learn to read: A guide for parents is designed to help parents teach their children, from birth through the primary school years, about reading in the home. It includes a section on helping children who are having trouble learning to read, with a range of useful hints and tips to build your child's skills and confidence.

Helping your child learn to write: A guide for parents also helps parents to understand the types of writing that are taught at primary school and includes a comprehensive list of commonly used grammar terms.

Helping your child learn to do mathematics: A guide for parents contains many useful hints and tips. It is designed to assist parents to teach their children, from birth through the primary school years, about mathematical ideas in the home. It also helps parents to understand what their child is learning about mathematics at primary school.

Helping your child with grammar: A guide for parents will be available at the end of 2013.

Parents' Guide to the NSW Primary Syllabuses is a free downloadable guide. As the parent of a school student, you will want to know what your child is learning so you can help them at home. You and your child’s teachers will be the most important influences on your son’s or daughter’s education. This guide is provided to help you follow your child’s early learning and to assist you to talk with teachers about day-to-day classroom activities and your child’s progress.

The NSW Department of Education and Communities provides detailed information on transition to school, which is available to all parents.

The Early Years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) reform agenda for early childhood education and care, and is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care.

The Association of Independent Schools NSW may be a useful point of contact if you are sending your child to a non-government school.

The Catholic Education Commission NSW may be a useful point of contact if you are sending your child to a Catholic school.

More information about the Early Childhood Education Council of NSW is available.

Others who may be critical players in the Transition to School program include:

• your school principal
• your preschool, day care centre or prior-to-school setting
• Aboriginal education assistants
• community liaison officers
• community languages teachers
• road crossing supervisor
• teachers’ aides
• support or specialist teachers.