Starting school - Parent Easy Guide

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Starting school is an exciting time of change for children and families. There are many things you can do to prepare for the changes. Helping children to feel confident and positive about school will give them a good start.

A time of change

When children start school, they have a lot to get used to. They will be in a new setting, with more children and new rules and routines. Some children will manage this easily while others may need more help from parents and teachers.

When will my child start school?

Children in South Australia must be enrolled in primary school by their sixth birthday. Most children will attend preschool or childcare in the year before starting school.

South Australian government schools have one intake of children at the start of each year. Children turning five before May 1 will start at the beginning of term one in that year and children turning five on or after May 1 will start at the beginning of the following year. Check intake arrangements with your child’s school.

Orientation to school

Many schools, preschools and childcare centres help children during their transition to school. They arrange programs which may include:

visits to the school over several weeks
walks around the school to see where things are, eg playgrounds, toilets
spending time in a classroom with teachers and other children.

There may be time for parents to meet staff members and ask questions too.

Building confidence

There are things parents can do to help children feel confident and optimistic about starting school. You could talk with them about what school will be like. Borrow books from the library with positive stories about starting school. Maybe share some happy stories from your own school days.

Parents can also help children to build confidence and optimism by encouraging a habit of positive thinking. Asking children to tell you about the good things that happen each day helps develop this healthy habit.

Getting ready

To prepare children for school you could:

involve your child in preparing for school, eg shopping for their uniform, school bag and lunch box. Make sure they can manage their lunchbox and school bag
plan for healthy lunches, snacks and water to drink
help your child learn to dress themselves, and to use the toilet on their own
establish the bedtime and morning routine that they will have when they start school. It is very important that they get enough sleep
practise the route you will take when you walk, drive or ride to school
plan to take your child to school on the first day. Show them where you will pick them up at the end of the day. Make sure you are always on time. A few minutes can seem like a long time to a young child.

If your child is worried, ask them what would help, eg who should take them to school, where they want to say goodbye, what they want to do after school. Having some control can help children manage their fears.

There is a lot for children to get used to when they start school. Some will adapt more easily than others.

Relax! If you are stressed, your child may sense this and worry too.

Working with the school

It is important for parents and teachers to work together and communicate well.

It can help if you:

let the teacher know if there is something happening at home that may be affecting your child
let them know about any health problems your child may have
read all the school notices and reply as soon as possible
get involved in school activities, eg listen to children’s reading if you can
talk to your child about what they are learning at school
encourage your child to share their interest and experiences with their teacher.

Make an appointment to see the teacher if you are concerned about your child.

Children do best at school when their parents and teachers work together to support them.

The first few weeks

As your child settles into school:

they may be tired at the end of the day. Don’t plan too many after-school activities; make sure they have time to rest and for free play
they may be ‘starving’ after school. Take a healthy snack when you pick them up. Try giving them an early dinner as they may be too tired to eat later
they may want to tell you all about their day as soon as they see you. Be available to listen. Some children may want to relax first
encourage them to talk about good things that happen at school
make reading with them part of your daily routine. Bedtime stories are a great way to end the day.

Some children wet their pants at school, which can embarrass them. Reassure them that it often happens and is nothing to worry about. Encourage them to tell the teacher. Pack spare clothing in their bag.