Top tips on transitioning smoothly to school for new starters

The New South Wales Department of Education has shared advice about how those new to the world of school can settle in ahead of more than 61,000 children starting the 2025 school year from February 6.

“Our school communities are so excited to welcome our youngest learners at the start of their public education journey,” Department Secretary Murat Dizdar said.

“There’s a lot to take in, with new friends, environments, routines and expectations. Our school staff will be right beside the Kinders and their role is to develop a love of learning in our classrooms.”

While the transition to school is a very exciting time, it does also involve navigating and adjusting to several changes.

For Cooma Public School principal Karen Butchers, who is expecting three kindergarten classes this year, one of the most important things parents can do is develop a real love of learning in their children through reading books and sitting with children, something which she believes creates “that positive interaction with literacy.” 

Building routines, she continued, was equally important, especially around bedtime. 

“The routines include having a good sleep, getting up and having breakfast, learning to get dressed in the uniform, and tying your own shoelaces.”

The Department offered some other tips to support families and the early childhood education and care services which care for them to be ready for school: 

School readiness: what should Kinders be able to do?

• Recognise their belongings
• Open and close lunchboxes including packets
• Know how to ask for help when needed
• Be able to separate from parent or carer
• Interact socially with other children
• Put on their uniform
• Know hygiene routines

How parents can prepare their child for school

• Help develop a love of learning (read books to children, get them to use writing tools to explore or do art).
• Talk or read about the school routine – what will play look like? what are the hygiene practices? – discuss the sounds of school, like bells and buzzers.
• Be positive about your child’s efforts and follow their interests.
• Discuss any special needs of your child with the school.
• Work out how your child will travel to school. Practise walking the route to school.
• Promote a sense of belonging with your new school by taking part in transition programs, going on school tours, attending meetings or activities held on school grounds.

When children commence school they will participate in the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment in the first six weeks of Term 1 to identify their literacy and numeracy knowledge, skills and understanding.

The outcome of these tests will help their educators develop effective programs to build on what children currently know and support a successful transition into school.

To learn more about successful transitions to school please see here.