If you’re a parent of a 4 or 5 year old right now you are acutely aware that you have approximately 3 months left until your ‘baby’ is out in that big world of 5-days-a-week-at-school.

With mid-year intake coming back into vogue, it’s time to re-read this old post to see if your child is ready or should wait another 6 months!

Preparedness for school interests me on many fronts.  I have taught this age group in schools (although presently a very happy middle school teacher!) and am a parent myself. After teaching some Foundation, I decided to put a year’s hold on my son starting school, as I saw the benefits of being emotionally ready for school. My decision paid off as he was totally ready to take on school – and in the extra year he spent with parents, grandies and childcare, he became driven to learn and master so many things. This meant he entered the big world of school with confidence.

Don’t ever hesitate to consider this, as legally a child does not need to start school until the year they are turning 6. Now, instead of going to high school when he is 11, he will be 12, and instead of attempting year 12 at age almost 17, he will be almost 18. It’s important to start thinking about this when they’re around three, before the kindergarten year, as the preschool years are such a special time that you wouldn’t want to miss it!

If your child is not ready for school physically and emotionally, it will be a hard slog in the Junior Primary years for them, you and their teachers. I hope this article helps you get your child ready and make decisions that are right for your child.

Continue reading “Is your child ready for school?”