Free Webinar for families about finding a school for your child
Here is an invitation from EarlyEd to join its free community information session to be held on Tuesday on 8th April.
Book in via our What’s On page for https://www.earlyed.com.au/get-involved/events-2/
Practical information to support you to choose a school
The webinar is open to everyone and will be focused on giving you information about practical strategies and current processes to do with being ready for school.
The webinar is designed to help families with children starting school in 2026 or 2027. It is particularly relevant for children with challenges with learning, a disability or developmental delay.
Why EarlyEd is committed to running sessions every year?
EarlyEd has offered this free workshop to families, every year, for well over 10 years, in April / May because we have learnt that families have lots of questions at this time of the year and find it great to have an opportunity to hear from representatives from schools and the Education Department about what they need to do to be ready and that there is nowhere to find information all in one place.
We will also run a follow-up session in September.
Our Educators, Belinda and Peta, who will be facilitating the session will be bringing together:
– their many years of transitioning children to school as well as
– the combined knowledge of our team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists and the many teachers they have met in many schools.
Feedback from attendees last year’s webinar
“Thanks so much for running these free webinars, it is much appreciated, and even though we have already made the decision of where my child is attending school there were still some great things to take away.”
“It’s just not a new journey for child but also for parents as well.”
“Most was new information for me. I didn’t know about the Transition to School Form on the DoE website which is great and will be sending this to my son’s daycare and preschool for completion.”
Ready to Learn Together
Resources and advice from educators and families about starting school on EarlyEd’s website https://www.earlyed.com.au/ready-to-learn-together/
Starting school is a significant milestone in a child’s life, and as parents, you want to ensure that our children are well-prepared for this new adventure. A child’s transition to school can be smoother when parents get involved and support their children through this important phase. As well as their parents, a child’s childcare / preschool teachers and playgroup leaders and any therapists, they may be involved with, can become a support and advice team.
Here is a summary of the practical tips and resources developed as part of our Ready to Learn Together resources to help you get started. Why not also look at the videos and handouts for specific ideas from people from our local community. https://www.earlyed.com.au/ready-to-learn-together/
- Understanding the Importance of School Readiness
When a child starts school, there is so much for them to get used to. A child who is prepared for school settles into routines and learning more easily so they are more ready for learning. When parents know what happens at school, they feel more comfortable and are more aware of what happens in the school environment. This confidence can significantly improve a child’s readiness and enthusiasm for school.
- Utilising Available Resources
There are numerous resources available in the community to help families get ready for the start of school. These resources include translated materials, videos, and handouts that provide valuable information and practical tips. For example, the NSW Education Department https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/ecec-resource-library/transition-to-school offers a “ Strong and successful start to school Transition guidelines ” https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/early-learning/media/documents/el-strong-and-successful-start-to-school-transition-guidelines.pdf.
The Raising Children Network also has many ideas to support your pre-schooler to be ready to learn. https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/playlearning/preschool/choosing-a-primary-school
- Choosing a School
When choosing a school there is a lot to consider, including your child’s needs, interests, the school’s location, facilities, curriculum, approach to learning, its culture and values. Understanding about the 3 schooling systems: Department of Education, Independent Schools and Catholic Education will help you make informed decisions about which school will suit your child. EarlyEd’s Webinar: Starting School held in April each year provides families with an opportunity to hear from all the school systems and a parent with up-to-date information about each of the systems, what to think about and how to enrol.
- Engaging in School Orientation and Playgroups
One of the most effective ways to help your child be ready for school is by participating in school orientation sessions and playgroups. These activities allow children to become familiar with their new school environment and routines. They also provide opportunities for parents to learn how to support their child’s transition to school. Parents who attend these sessions are more confident to help prepare their child to be ready
- Encouraging Independence and Self-Care
Teaching your child to be independent and look after their belongings is crucial for school readiness. Encourage your child to practice self-care routines, such as dressing themselves, packing their school bag, and managing their lunch box. Building confidence in different environments and practicing new skills at home can also help your child feel more prepared for school.
- Building Social Skills and Friendships
Social skills are essential for a successful school experience. Help your child develop these skills by encouraging them to make friends, take turns, and play games that involve social interaction. Playgroups and childcare settings provide excellent opportunities for children to practice these skills and build friendships before starting school.
- Seeking Support and Advice
If you have concerns about your child’s readiness for school, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Talk to someone at your local school, childcare, or preschool. They can give ideas or tell you who you can talk to. If you are concerned, don’t wait. Get advice as soon as you can. This gives you more time to help your child and more time for your child to be ready to start school.
- Making Use of Translated Resources
For families who speak languages other than English, there are translated resources available to help you support your child’s school readiness based on different cultures and experiences. These resources include handouts and videos in multiple languages, such as Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, Urdu, Korean, Tamil, Filipino, Nepali, Traditional Chinese, Gujarati, Simplified Chinese, and Turkish. These materials provide practical ideas and tips to help parents to understand the school systems and know how to support their children’s transition to school.
- Learning Through Play
Play is a powerful tool for learning. Encourage your child to engage in play activities that promote learning and development. By incorporating play into your child’s daily routine, you can help them develop the skills they need for school.
Playgroups, parks, and home environments offer opportunities for children to practice new skills and learn through play alongside other adults and children (as well as of course the specific learning that comes from childcare / preschool).
Staying Informed and Connected
Stay informed about the resources and support available to you and your child. Look out for valuable ideas shared by your local school as they reach out and offer you and your child opportunities to get ready for school. If you find other resources, please share them with your community to help other families prepare for school.
Key Messages:
Preparing your child for school is a collaborative effort that involves parents, schools, and the community. By getting involved and utilising the available resources, you can help your child have a smooth start to their school journey. Remember,
- a ready child,
- a ready family, and
- a ready community can make all the difference in ensuring a positive and enriching school experience for your child.