Pilot supports smooth transitions to school for children with severe disability

The Queensland Department of Education has introduced the Enrolment Navigator Pilot, aimed at supporting families of children with severe disabilities as they transition to Prep at state schools. 

The Enrolment Navigator Pilot is currently available in Metro North, Metro South and South East Queensland regions. It is designed for children attending Early Childhood Development Programs (ECDP) on school‑sites and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. 

Key supports the program delivers include:

• Personalised guidance from Enrolment Navigator officers, helping families understand enrolment processes, schooling options and forms. 
• Facilitation of discussions between families and prospective state schools, aiding planning so that the child’s needs are recognised and supported. 
• Assistance in transition planning designed to build confidence for families and children with respect to safety, care and wellbeing during the move to full‑time schooling. 

Early childhood services (both ECDP and ECEC) are integral to this pilot. Services can refer families to the program and request a referral pack that includes: fact sheets for families and providers, and a consent form for sharing student personal information to support transition planning. 

By establishing this collaboration between families, schools and early years services, the pilot is intended to improve preparedness, reduce anxiety and support children’s successful start to school.

If an educator or provider is working with a child who could benefit from the pilot, the Department encourages sharing the programme fact‑sheet with the family and completing a consent form to initiate referral. Further information and referral packs can be requested via [email protected]

• Children with severe disabilities face distinct challenges when entering formal schooling; tailored transition supports are critical to their success and wellbeing.
• Early collaboration between ECEC services, families and state schools is a clear practice‑based mechanism to embed inclusive and responsive transition pathways.
• For centre managers and educators, awareness of and participation in this pilot strengthens service capacity to advocate for children’s seamless progression and active participation in schooling.
• Aligning with the broader focus of the National Quality Framework and inclusive education imperatives, this initiative reflects the importance of bridging early childhood care and school settings in support of vulnerable children.

Recommendations for Providers and Educators

• Identify children within your service who may be eligible (for example, those with diagnosed or suspected significant disability and preparing for transition to state schooling).
• Ensure families are informed about the pilot and the support available — make fact‑sheets accessible and initiate discussions early.
• Liaise with transition officers and maintain open communication with the child’s future school to align on supports and planning.
• Document and review the transition plan in partnership with the family and future school, fostering continuity of care and shared expectations.
• Reflect the child’s voice and family priorities in transition planning, recognising children as active participants even in early years settings.