Preschools in South Australia welcome mid-year intake students

Thousands of four year olds have started preschool in South Australia this week, the first intake of mid-year enrolments under the newly revived policy initiated by the Labor Government in the state.

 

Up until 2014, South Australian parents and carers were able to enrol their children into preschool when they turned four years of age (regardless of when in the academic year this was), and into Reception (the first year of formal schooling) when they turned five years of age, regardless of when in the academic year this was. 

 

This process was revoked in 2014, and practices brought in to mimic other states and territories around Australia (for example, a child must turn four years of age on or before 1 June to be enrolled in that year, otherwise they would need to wait for the following year to enrol.) 

 

Children who turn four years of age between 1 May and 31 October are eligible to commence preschool this term, while children who turn four years of age between 1 November and 30 April are eligible to commence preschool in Term 1, 2024.

 

Children who start Reception in Term 1 will complete 4 terms of reception while children who start Reception mid-year in Term 3 will complete six terms of Reception.

 

A core pre-election promise of the sitting Government was to bring back mid-year intake, something which was fulfilled this week, when approximately 4,000 children in 377 public preschools across the state began their learning journey. They join about 13,700 children in South Australian Government preschools who commenced preschool in January this year.

 

Acting SA Premier Susan Close and SA Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer, visited Lucy Morice Kindergarten to welcome its new group of preschoolers on their first day.

 

“While in Opposition, we heard clearly from families that they wanted mid-year intake back for government preschools and schools. We have listened and today we start delivering what families want and deserve,” Ms Close said.

 

“It is an exciting week for our new group of 13 children who are starting on their preschool journey with us at Lucy Morice Kindergarten,” said Director Lisa Ringwood. 

 

“Preschool is an important time for children to learn through play, exploration and experimentation and we are looking forward to them joining our vibrant community of learners.”

 

Enrolments are still open with families able to submit registrations of interest for preschool in 2024 (either for the start of the year or for mid-year commencement) using the registration of interest form.

 

A calculator is available on the Department for Education website to assist parents and carers to work out if their child will be eligible for enrolment in Term 1 or Term 3 of 2024.