Getting your little one ready for school can feel like one of the biggest yet most exciting milestones of parenthood. And if questions like “What is school readiness, really?” or “Is my child ready for school?” keep popping into your head, you’re not alone. It’s normal to have a thousand thoughts racing as the transition to school looms closer. Here’s the good news—we’re here to guide you with tips, insights, and all the reassurance you need.
School Readiness Month
As we celebrate School Readiness Month, we're thrilled to partner with Story House Early Learning, Busy Bees and Guardian Childcare & Education, some of Australia's leading early childhood education providers, to highlight the importance of quality early learning experiences in preparing children for school.
Whether you're considering childcare services, community kindergartens, or other early learning options, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your child's education.
Watch our School Readiness video below that includes information from the experts about how childcare services get little ones ready for primary school.
What Is School Readiness, Really?
It’s easy to assume that school readiness means knowing their ABCs or being able to count to 20. But here’s the thing—school readiness is so much more than academic skills. It’s about your child being ready for an entirely new world. This includes social and emotional skills, independence, and even physical development.
Think of school readiness as the ability to manage big changes with confidence. Whether it’s navigating friendship dynamics, following a schedule, or working through challenges, these are the skills that help children thrive—not just in school, but in life.
Why Early Learning Settings Make All the Difference
Think of early learning centres as schools-in-training—but with a whole lot more playdough. Programs like the ones offered at Story House Early Learning focus on creating a smooth transition to the classroom by blending fun and education. The result? Children are learning without even realising it!
Suzie Wood, Head of Early Learning at Story House, says it best, "School readiness is the key that unlocks the door to a child's educational journey. It's not just about learning the alphabet or counting numbers, but about fostering a love for learning, nurturing curiosity, developing emotional resilience, becoming independent and learning to get along with others; foundations for every child to achieve in school and life".
From painting (hello, fine motor skills) to group games that teach taking turns, early learning programs give children the tools to hit the ground running when "big school" begins.
Small Steps to Big Skills
Building Social and Emotional Savvy
Imagine this: your child is excited to build a tall block tower but doesn’t know how to ask to join in. Or they’ve dropped their favourite snack and feel an emotional meltdown creeping in. These situations pop up all the time, and early learning experiences teach children how to regulate their emotions, build empathy, and interact positively with others.
Encouraging your child to share, take turns, or talk about their feelings will help them thrive in a busy classroom where teamwork is key. Early learning programs, like those at Busy Bees, practice these skills every day through activities like story time, collaborative play, and group challenges (and yes, there’s usually a healthy splash of glitter involved)
Encouraging Independence
One of the most exciting parts of starting school is the independence that comes with it. Carrying their own backpack, choosing snacks from their lunchbox, and managing their belongings are major milestones.
You can practice at home by encouraging small activities like picking out their outfit for the day or attempting new tasks on their own (yes, even if it means an inside-out jumper now and then). The more they practice, the more confident they’ll feel when school begins.
Establishing Strong Routines
The transition to school can feel like a big leap for children who are used to more flexible schedules. Introducing daily routines, like regular wake-up times, scheduled meals, and quiet reading sessions, can help ease this shift.
“Routines offer children a sense of security and predictability; foundations for learning that help them grow in confidence, independence, and self-regulation. At Busy Bees, the rhythms of each day - hellos and goodbyes, group times, play, meals, and rest - are not just daily rituals; they are the building blocks of school readiness. Through these everyday moments, children develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills they need to thrive in the next stage of their learning journey”, explains Leanne Cain, Chief Pedagogy and Safeguarding Officer at Busy Bees.
Debunking School Readiness Myths
If you’re feeling torn about where to send your child (traditional kinder/preschool? Childcare-based programs?), take a moment to relax. Both types of early learning programs can set your child up beautifully for school.
Centres like those at Guardian Childcare and Education stand out by offering tailored learning experiences in addition to government-approved Early Years Learning Frameworks (EYLF). They track each child’s progress and strengths, giving them personalised support to thrive. Plus, the relationships children build with educators create a steady support system that helps them feel safe, secure, and ready for whatever comes next.
“Preschool/kinder in long day care is the same as what you’d find in a sessional Preschool/kinder but in an environment they are already settled in. It’s led by Teachers with the same early childhood university degrees and follows the same requirements of the National Quality Framework but with the added benefit of long day care hours to support busy families”, explains Annabelle, Early Childhood Teacher, Guardian Childcare & Education ACT.
Practical Tips to Support Your Child’s Transition to School
If you’re asking yourself, “Is my child ready for school?” here are a few tips to help make their transition smoother:
- Social Playdates: Encourage playtime with peers through playdates or group outings. This helps build communication and social problem-solving skills.
- Talk About Feelings: Introduce conversations about emotions and how to handle tricky ones (like frustration or nervousness) in calm, healthy ways.
- Practice Independence: Start small by giving your child simple tasks, like dressing themselves or helping set the table.
- Get Familiar With School Talk: Share stories or books about school to build excitement. Frame school as a fun place where they’ll meet friends and try new things.
- Sneaky Skill Building: Read stories together, play counting games at the grocery store, or go on an alphabet scavenger hunt in the park. Make learning feel like a game.
The key is to make this process fun and pressure-free. No child (or parent!) needs extra stress as they prepare for this milestone.
Why Early Learning Matters
What makes programs like those at Story House Early Learning, Busy Bees and Guardian Childcare & Education truly special is how they focus on the big picture. They’re not just building academic skills; they aim to nurture kind, curious, and confident little humans. Educators take the time to know every child, tailoring lessons to match individual interests and abilities.
And because they work closely with primary schools, they help create a seamless transition from early learning to the first year of school. By the time kids step into that first classroom as “big schoolers,” they’re not just ready—they’re raring to go.
Embrace the Journey
The transition to school is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Remember, every child follows their own unique timeline, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to school readiness.
With a little preparation and a whole lot of support (we’re here for you every step of the way!), your child will take this next step with confidence.
For more tips or to download our School Readiness Checklist, click here.
