Is your child eligible for school? In N.S.W a child can start school in the Catholic School System at the start of the year if he/ she turns 5 by 30th June that year. In the Public School system it is 31^st July that is the cut off date for school entry.

Is your child ready for school?

This can be a dilemma and whether to send a child to school is a decision many parents are beginning to re think. Age is the usual reason a parent decides a child will or will not attend school. There is an 11-month difference between the youngest eligible child and the one who just misses out due to the cut off date. In a climate where parents ‘hold children back’ this gap can be considerably more leading to a process whereby parents find it harder and harder to sent a child to school ‘young’ for fear they just will not cope in the system. In addition there is a perception which may or not be the case that schools prefer children to be older and more mature when they start in Kindergarten rather than younger and by implication less mature.

Social and emotional maturity is a good indication that a child will adapt to the wider school environment.

At school a child needs to be able to handle transitions, to conform to school rules and regulations, to talk to adults, to request information of adults, as well as respond to adult inquiries. The sheer size of the school and its cohort of older, bigger, confident children can be intimidating for some children.

Concentration and attending. At school there are more periods than your child is probably used to where he/she has to sit and listen without being distracted. This ability is particularly difficult for some children and although teachers make allowances it can mean the child is perceived in a negative way. If you think your child is not ready for this aspect of school life you should discuss it with the school and review your decision about sending your child. Some schools may have a very relaxed attitude some may not and this will influence your decision.

Good language skills. Verbal Communication is the main medium for teaching and although visual reinforcement is present to some degree, language acquired through exposure to stories, books, conversations, TV etc. is the way the child will learn at school. Exposing your child to an enriched language environment will promote easy acquisition of reading and mathematics at school.

Good self help skills. A child needs to be able to do things for him/herself. Self help skills with regard to clothing, toiletting, opening and closing the lunch box and drink bottle, putting on shoes and socks and being responsible for his/her property. These are things that a school child has to do without the adult support which is there is at pre school or child care. Hint: If your child cannot tie laces and most find this too hard at first, buy shoes that are easy for the child to handle with buckles or velcrose, Remember buckles go on the outside.

Pre academic Skills. There are some pre academic skills, which make starting school easier for your child. Skills such as problem solving, visual discrimination, the ability to draw a person, to name basic colours and common shapes, number concepts such as more/less, empty /full, large /small, many/few, Number recognition rote counting and ordered counting to 5 or 10. Some familiarity with the alphabet and the sounds of the letters are a help but not required as that is what your child is eager to learn once he gets to school.

A child needs to recognise her name so she can identify her labeled property

and it is common for many children to also write their name before starting school. Shorten a long or difficult name to make this easier for your child e.g. Kate for Katherine or Chris for Christopher. Children with short names like Amy or Bill usually have no trouble learning to write their names

Fine and gross motor skills. The correct pencil grip, the ability to cut out a simple shape, to turn a tap on and off to unscrew a bottle, to thread and tie laces are all skills to work towards prior to school entry. To dress and undress, to walk up and down stairs using alternate feet, to walk, run, jump and climb with confidence, the school child will be well on the way to achieving all these

These skills are not pre requisites for school, but most children starting school will have all or some of them. Schools should in theory cater to where each child is ‘at’ when they enter school and move forward from there fostering and teaching necessary skills for the individual. The practical reality is that teachers have quite large classes and it is easy for some children to be left behind if the pace of their classroom is faster than their learning style or if they perceive this to be the case. Individuals and schools are different, get to know your school by visiting and talking to the staff and other parents. If you are unsure as to whether to send your child , talk to the school concerned and to the pre school or child care centre and you will be able to make a more informed decision.

Principal
Birrahlee Kindergarten
Lane Cove NSW