FAQs

My child will be turning 5 next year and I think they will be ready to attend school. The kindergarten has said they are not ready. What should I do?

We always advise listening to your early childhood educators. They know your children well and will support you throughout the year. You cannot go wrong by waiting another year if you have concerns about your child's readiness to attend school. Talk to both your early childhood educators and your school to help you make this decision. If you would like your child to start school before they are 5, please see your child's school as there is a process to follow to apply for an early start to school.

I am not in your zone, how do I make sure I can attend your school?

You have the right to attend your local school that is within your zone. You can find this information on findmyschool.vic.gov.au. You can also apply to schools you are not zoned for but you will not be guaranteed a place at that school. Please talk to the school principal to find out more about how the order of placement works.

Are there any downsides to my child waiting an extra year to start school?

There are none. Every child is on their own learning journey and they will be ready to start school when they have the emotional resilience, and the social skills to be able to engage in every aspect of school life. If you have any concerns about your child starting school, talk to child's kinder teacher who will be able to guide you.

How will you support my child with their learning and their additional needs?

If your child has any additional learning needs or disabilities, please talk to your school as soon as possible. Your child's kinder teacher will also be able to help you navigate the process successfully. They may ask you to start the process as early as the beginning of 4 year old kinder. The more information that can be collected, the easier it will be to support your child and ensure a smooth and successful transition into school. Your child's kinder teacher and future school want the best for your child and early intervention is key to a happy and positive start to learning. You do not need to wait until you have a confirmed enrolment to start these discussions and the earlier we have them the better it is for everyone. Everyone you speak to will listen carefully and any information you share will remain confidential.

What do I have to do if my child has asthma, anaphylaxis or any allergies?

It is important that you and your child go to your GP and ask them to fill in the relevant forms. There are 3 different forms depending on the condition. Your doctor will know which one you need. You will also need to provide the school with up to date medication that is mentioned in the plan, eg an asthma pump, medication to treat the allergy or an epipen. Please ensure you provide the school with the plan and medication on the first day of school so that they have the necessary medication to treat your child in case of an emergency. All staff at Victorian Government schools are trained to deal with asthma, allergies and anaphylaxis. Please go to the useful links page to find out more.

How early should we be encouraged to enrol?

During the second half of the year that your child is in 3 year old kinder it is a good idea to go for a school tour. Your local school will be holding these tours regularly so just give them a call and book a time. It helps the schools if you can enrol as early in the Transition Year as you can, especially if you think your child may need additional support at school. This allows the school to begin to plan for how to best support your child and also allows you to access any transition programs that may begin during the year.

Are there any special academic skills that I should be teaching my child?

We cannot emphasise enough that the best way to prepare your child for school is to spend time with them. Talk to them, read to them, sing with them, make up rhymes, explore nature, grow food, run, climb, jump, skip, make beautiful art and music together. All these things will allow your child to develop physically, mentally and emotionally so that they are ready to take on the world!

Will the school provide any food?

Generally, you will provide food for your child in the form of a snack and lunch Some schools also have an additional fruit snack to have during the day. Most schools have a lunch order service as well.

What do I do if I work outside school hours?

Every school will have a Before and After School Program, usually run by an external provider. Contact your school to see which company provides the service and you can then contact them directly and register your child so that they can attend at any time. There is also often a Holiday Program and care provided on Curriculum days (student free days) when teachers work together on their professional learning.

My child attends daycare twice a week with a kinder program as part of it. Is it important for them to attend a separate kinder as well?

No, the learning experiences your child will get at their daycare will be the same as a kinder. They will have a chance to develop relationships with other children and adults, learn how to share and take turns, manage themselves and their belongings and have the chance to explore their world and develop their curiosity and imagination with caring, knowledgable adults.

Do I have to pay any fees?

Victorian Government schools charge a fee for essential items such as books, pens, pencils, etc. You will be informed about the fees by your school before the beginning of the school year. Some schools also ask for voluntary contributions towards different funds. Funds such as the Library and Building Funds are tax deductible but other funds, eg Welfare or Sports Funds, are not. If you have any concerns about paying fees, etc, contact your child's Principal or Assistant Principal and they will be able to provide you with support.

What should I do in regards to school activities, etc, when my child starts school?

As well prepared as your child will be, starting a new school is very similar to starting a new job. Although you know how to get along with other people and develop relationships and you have an idea of what your workplace will look like, ie it will have a kitchen, toilets, photocopier, etc, you don't know where all these things are, you don't know the rules on how to use the photocopier, you have to spend time getting to know new people. It is exactly the same for your child and, as you know, this is very tiring! So try to make the first term as simple as possible. Provide time for your child to come home and decompress from their busy day. Some yummy afternoon tea and a hug on the sofa sounds just perfect. A regular bedtime routine that allows your child to relax into the evening will also work miracles!