How do I know if my child is ready for school?

Knowing when your child is ready for school involves more than just age; there are a number of factors including a child’s social, emotional and physical development that need to be considered. Each child’s development is unique and their readiness for school needs to be determined on an individual basis. 

The New South Wales Department of Education and Training states that a child can commence Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn five on, or before, 31 July in that year. By law, all children must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday.

However, for many parents, age is not the only measure of a child’s readiness for school. Current trends indicate that some parents are holding their children back from starting school, particularly boys.

There is some debate in educational circles about whether it is better to hold children back until they are older, or to allow them to start school as young as possible.

Lecturer in Education at RMIT University, Kathy Walker, said it is better to go to school too late than too early.

'Over the past 10 years, there’s pressure in society that the earlier children can read and the more extracurricular activities they do, the better off they will be,' Kathy said. ‘We’re trying to turn them into pseudo-adults, but many are heavily stressed.'

In contrast, Monash University’s Senior Lecturer, Anne Kennedy, says there is not a lot of evidence to support the belief that ‘young is not good’.

‘I believe that an extra year at home or preschool is only beneficial if the child is challenged with new experiences,' Anne said. ‘Family circumstances are also important. Some parents need to return to work and may not be able to afford another year of preschool or child care.'

‘Parents need to be guided by their common sense and to talk to preschool teachers and carers. They should also visit schools and ask many questions.'

University of Western Sydney Associate Professors, Sue Dockett and Bob Perry, researched the transition to school interviewing four and five year olds, preschool teachers and parents. They found that parents send children to school for different reasons. 

‘Cultural differences play a part,”Professor Dockett said. 'Many families from non-English speaking backgrounds believe school is an important place to be and they want their child to be there as soon as possible,' she said.

‘It is too simple to say that a younger child will not cope as well as an older one, or that it’s better for boys to wait a year,' Professor Dockett said. ‘If we expect boys to be behind, we tend to treat them that way and that is how they turn out.'

‘Similarly, holding a child back may not make adolescence any easier, because children go through puberty at different ages.'

Our Lady of Rosary Primary, St Marys Kindergarten teacher, Frances Sidoruk, said there are signs to indicate a child’s readiness for school but a supportive school also helps make that transition for children and parents smoother.

‘We provide a lot of support for the child in their transition to school,' said Frances. 'We have a transition program involving an interview with the child and parent, and orientation days so teachers can get to know each child and identify their individual learning needs.'

'If a child is finding it difficult settling in, or making friends with other children, we support and teach them social skills often using story books to illustrate these skills,' she said.        

Here are some of the ways to determine if your child is school-ready:

• Language skills – to thrive at school your child needs to be able to communicate with teachers and other students and be able to focus on tasks; accept direction and instruction from teachers, and understand the rules of the classroom and school;

• Motor skills and coordination – in the school environment a child needs the coordination to perform skills such as using a pencil and scissors and putting on or removing items of clothing such as a jumper or hat;

• Concentration and emotional maturity – your child should be comfortable with the social aspects of school including playing and working with other children;

• Independence – children at school need to be able to function with less adult supervision than preschoolers; they need to perform tasks such as toileting and eating and dressing by themselves; and

• Physical wellbeing – children who have a chronic illness, disability or other special needs may have difficulty with some aspects of school. This does not mean they are not ready for school but their physical or learning requirements will need to be considered. Contact the school about 12 months prior to starting school to discuss your child’s specific needs.

The Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne suggests some simple activities that parents can do with their child to help prepare for school:

• Read your child books as an enjoyable daily activity;
• Make everyday things an exploration of language – ask your child questions, listen carefully to their answers, and encourage your child to ask why;
• Encourage your child’s natural curiosity – do different things with them, encourage them to try different ways of doing things;
• Encourage your child to learn to dress and undress independently, and to use the toilet appropriately;
• Make sure your child has crayons and pencils and a supply of paper to draw and write on, and always praise their efforts; and
• Encourage your child to mix with other children in different supervised activities so they learn to socialise with their peers, take turns and share their toys and books.  

Although there are some general guidelines to assess whether your child is ready for school, each child is unique in their development and readiness. For further advice speak with the school, your child’s current preschool or care provider, or health professionals.

How to prepare for High School

Patrician Brothers’ College year coordinator, Marie Lane, says the transition from primary school to high schools is easier if parents are actively involved with their child in learning about the school.

'Involve your child in learning about the school they will be attending, read school newsletters, visit the website and speak with other students already attending the school,' Marie said.

Here are some other ways to help your child transition to high school:

• Be interested and enthusiastic about their move to high school;
• Attend the orientation days and information nights;
• Make sure travel arrangements to and from school are organised;
• Discuss the changes every student will experience;
• Organise your child's uniform well before the first day of school;
• Learn about school routines and timetables;
• Help your child to develop good study habits by finding a quiet place to study and working out a timetable;
• Practise organisational skills;
• Discuss emergency and safety issues like crossing roads, taking essential medication, etc; and
• Keep communication lines open so your child can come to you if they are feeling unsettled or apprehensive.

Parent's view:

Parent Alicia Borg whose son Emanuel age five, started school this year at St Patrick’s Primary, Blacktown said she knew he was ready because of his love of preschool, ability to make friends and his naturally inquisitive nature.

'Emanuel settled in really well at St Patrick’s,' said Alicia. 'We attended an orientation day, and I found the half days during the first week of school really helpful to allow Emanuel time to settle into a new routine and environment.'

Sources:

Centre for Community Child Health, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne (2005), School Readiness, Community Paediatric Review.

Cook, M. (2002), Is your child really ready to start school? The Age, 29 May 2002.

NSW Department of Education and Training www.det.nsw.edu.au

Author: Cecilia Lim

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