Is My Child Ready for School? A Simple Guide for Parents
Starting school is a big step — not just for kids, but for parents too!
You might be wondering: "Is my child ready for Prep?" or "How is Prep different from Kinder?"
Don’t worry — you're not alone. School readiness isn’t about being able to read or do maths before day one. It’s about a whole mix of skills that help children feel confident, connected, and curious as they step into their next big adventure.
Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what "school readiness" really looks like, and how Prep is different from Kinder.
What is School Readiness?
School readiness is about whether your child has the skills they need to thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and in their learning.
It’s not about ticking off an academic checklist — it’s about being ready to learn, play, and grow in a bigger, busier environment.
Think of it like getting ready for a long bushwalk.
You don’t need to have already climbed the mountain — you just need the right shoes, a backpack of skills, and a positive attitude to give it a go.
Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for School
Here are some common skills that show a child is ready for the transition to Prep:
Communication:
They can tell others what they need or how they feel, with words or gestures.
They can listen to instructions and try to follow them.
Thinking and Problem Solving:
They can have a go at solving little problems (like finding their shoes or asking for help if something spills).
Social Skills:
They can play with other children, share, and take turns (even if it’s not perfect yet!).
They can cope with small disagreements or changes to the plan.
Independence:
They can go to the toilet independently.
They can manage their lunchbox, backpack, and putting on a jumper (even if they need a little reminder).
Physical Skills:
They can sit still for short periods (like listening to a story).
They have basic coordination (fine and gross motor) skills — running, jumping, holding a pencil or using scissors.
Emotional Readiness:
They are curious and willing to try new things (even if they feel a little shy or nervous).
They are starting to manage their feelings with some help (like taking a breath when they’re upset).
What’s Different Between Kinder and Prep?
It’s totally normal to wonder how Prep will feel compared to Kinder.
Here’s a little snapshot:
Kinder builds the foundations, Prep starts stretching those skills a little further.
What If My Child Isn’t Ticking Every Box?
It’s really common for children to still be developing these skills when they start Prep.
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready, a good first step is having a chat with:
Your child's kinder teacher or early childhood educator — they see many children each year and can share helpful insights.
A speech pathologist — they can support your child’s communication, social skills, and early learning skills, all of which are foundations for school success.
Can Repeating a Year Help?
Sometimes, if a child is not quite ready socially, emotionally, or developmentally, families might consider another year of kinder before starting school.
Repeating a year can be the right support for some children, but not for everyone. It's important to have open conversations with your child's teacher and trusted professionals to help guide the decision.
Some things to think about include:
Emotional resilience: How does your child manage their feelings and bounce back from challenges?
Social confidence: Are they building friendships and feeling comfortable with other children?
Attention and independence: Can they focus, follow instructions, and manage small tasks on their own?
Sometimes it’s not just about another year — some children may thrive with extra support or a different learning environment that better suits their needs.
Final Thoughts
Starting school is a journey — not a race.
Every child brings their own strengths, personality, and pace.
The goal isn’t to have everything perfect before the first day.
It’s to help your child feel excited, safe, and ready to explore a whole new world of learning.
