Peakhurst Public School

Promoting Effort and Excellence in a Caring Environment

Telephone02 9153 9157

Emailpeakhurst-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Starting school

Starting School

Starting school is such a big step. How do I know if my child is ready?

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 the 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.

The parent website School A to Z has spoken to a range of teachers about how to make the right decision for your child. Here are some of the key points and questions to ask:

  • Children may enrol in Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn five years of age on or before 31 July in that year.
  • All children must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday.
  • Are they physically ready?
  • Are they socially and emotionally ready?
  • Kids don't need to read or write before they start school.
  • Visit your local school and attend transition days before you decide.