It’s time to start thinking about whether children are ready for school when they are four.
Transition to school has an impact on a child’s educational trajectory.
A successful transition to school requires more than academic skills.
It requires social, emotional, communication, and motor skills.
GPs have a role in partnering with schools and supporting families to:
- Find early learning opportunities like playgroup and preschool (Starting Blocks)
- Access supports if there are concerns about their child’s development (Where and how to refer)
- Delay school start if a child is not ready (children in NSW should start school by the year they turn six)
- Enrol and attend kindergarten orientation (NSW Department of Education Parents and Carers Hub)
- Communicate with their school if additional supports are required (Enrolling and starting primary school: children with disability)
- Ensure their child is ready (Starting School: preparing children)
Did you find this article helpful?
Yes/NoFurther links:
Children with disability have the right to go to school alongside their peers: Reimagine Australia Ready, Set, School! resource
Starting School (NSW Department of Education)
Conversations for Collaboration
Early intervention: where and how to refer
These articles are written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.