Is my child ready for school? 

The right questions to ask and what to look for. 

“Is my child ready for school?” It’s a question most parents will ask themselves as their child reaches the age of four or five. It’s especially significant if your child has a birthday in the first half of the year; they’re either going to be the youngest in their class, or the oldest. So, should you hold them back, or send them to kindergarten? 

Bronwyn Thomson Curriculum Lead at Guardian Childcare & Education, says, “We know from neuroscience research that the first five years of a child’s life are a rapid time of growth and that a child’s early experiences shape their identity and the structure of their brain. It is for this reason that quality play experiences, environments and interactions make a significant difference to a child’s level of ‘readiness’ for formal schooling.” 

Research shows that the biggest determinants of academic achievement, a positive transition to school, and for later success at school and in life, are that young children are socially and emotionally ready for the next step.    

That’s why the Guardian Curriculum has a strong focus on the development of such skills and aptitudes in children through real-world experiences, working with their natural interests to spark their curiosity to explore and better understand the world around them. 

 Guardian Preschool and Kindergarten Programs provide children the benefits of a structured daily learning program, while supporting parents and carers with the longer care hours provided in a childcare setting. For parents who are unsure about whether to send their child to primary school next year, a childcare preschool program can help bridge that uncertainty. 

For those families weighing up their options, there are several factors to think about when deciding whether your child is ready to move on up to school: 

1. Is your child able to be separated from parents and carers? Being in a larger learning setting means that children will need to make their way with much less adult supervision.   

2. Does your child show confidence and pride in who they are? Children need to be physically confident as they learn to carry themselves and grow their self-assurance.  

3. Can your child communicate clearly and form relationships? To grow at school, a child needs to effectively follow directions and competently comprehend what their teacher says. They also need to connect with other students using their evolving language and relationship skills.  

4. Does your child take responsibility for themselves, others and their belongings? School demands more autonomy and independence, which means they need to be able to act under their own steam – for example,  going to the toilet unaccompanied and knowing when they’re hot or cold.  

1. Is your child able to cope with change? This year, more than ever, we have all seen the importance of being able to adapt to change, and having secure relationships to draw on.
   
   Madi was in daycare from around 6 months, so she grew up being used to mummy or daddy going dropping her off for the day so we could work and this worked in our favour once she began school. I think we’ve only had one day where she cried and that was only recently! (She’s in year 2 now). 

2. Does your child show resilience by persisting in the face of challenges? The ability to bounce back after a mistake or a disappointment will be key to success at school – and in life.  

3. Can your child initiate, get involved and show willingness to try new things? Wrapping their head around the new rules and routines and adjusting to the shift in social dynamics of school can be a little overwhelming at times, but it’s all about a willingness to have a go.  

4. Does your child problem-solve and show curiosity in everyday things? Asking questions about how things work and showing an interest in the world around them indicates that they may be ready for school.  

5. Can your child verbalise their needs? Is your child able to determine if and when they need to go to the toilet? Are they able and willing to speak up when they need something?
   
   A skill that both Madi and Max needed to learn by being in childcare. When they were younger, they were toilet training between both home and daycare. I feel like they learnt a little quicker by being in an environment where children were in the same position and when they are there, they have no choice but to ask if they need something.

6. Is your child able to resolve conflict in an acceptable manner? Friendships can be complicated in the schoolyard, and your child needs to be able to effectively navigate conflicts and disagreements as they arise.  
   
   

Leading child psychologist Dr Anna Cohen from Kids & Co says that, because children develop at different rates and mature at different rates, there is no one rule that applies when deciding to send them to school.  

“As parents, you know them best. Holding a child back because of their maturity does not reflect on your abilities as a parent or say that there is something 'wrong' with your child. Whatever decision you make will be the right one,” she explains. 

Parents often feel pressure for their child to know all the letters of the alphabet, to be able to read and write letters and simple words, and to know their numbers and be able to count, but, as Bronwyn points out, school readiness is less focussed on the academic and more about a child’s level of social and emotional development. 

As a parent, we are own experts on our kids and when it comes to this stage in our children’s lives, deep down we can get a feel for whether our child is ready for school if we have the right information as to what they need to be ready. I myself knew Madi was ready at a younger age, yet we sent her at the “traditional” time according to her birthday, however we probably could have sent her earlier. The on the other hand we have Max, who we felt definitely need that time to develop some skills a little further (especially his confidence!) before he went off to school.

“When making your decision, be guided by your child as an individual. Should you decide to keep your child in a preschool setting for another year, that’s absolutely OK. Children are only children for a short time, and school is not a race. Successful learning is more than just being able to survive, it’s about giving your child the skills and best possible opportunity to thrive throughout their educational journey,” adds Bronwyn. 

For more information on Guardian Childcare & Education’s Preschool Programs visit: https://www.guardian.edu.au/childcare-and-education/preschool-andkindergarten-program/ 

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