23 Jan 2019
Starting primary school
Children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage and experience ongoing academic and social success.
On this page
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.
In the following video, 'Transition to school' (1 min 20 sec) we listen to what a young girl is looking forward to as she prepares to start Kindergarten.
Transcript of 'Transition to school' video
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 your local primary 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.
Orientation Day
Most schools have orientation days towards the end of the year to welcome children starting Kindergarten the following year. Many schools also have transition to Kindergarten programs over several weeks in the second half of the year. Contact your local school for details.
The school year starts in late January, after the summer vacation period. The school calendar lists school term dates.
Preparing your child
You can do a lot to help prepare your child for Kindergarten before their big 'first day'. The following skills are useful for children starting Kindergarten. Everyone develops at a different pace so this is only a guide and not all children will have these skills.
Additional resources
The following resources may be helpful in getting your child ready to start school.
- Getting ready for school (PDF 3352.9KB) – brochure including:
- activities
- checklist
- making an alphabet book
- matching numbers
- number tracing
- a guide for parents of a child with disability
- NSW Foundation Style writing guide (PDF 116.46KB)
- A Special Place (PDF 2453.31KB) – a picture book to read with a child starting Kindergarten.
education.nsw.gov.au/backtoschool