Never too early: early planning strengthens every child’s education journey

Families in the Illawarra have been encouraged to view a child’s education journey as beginning well before the first day of Kindergarten, with early engagement in learning communities identified as a key factor in supporting successful transitions.

At the Lake Learning Community Kindy Expo, hosted on Dharawal land at Lake Illawarra High School, families explored how early connection with preschool and school environments can support children to become confident and capable learners.

The event brought together six public schools, Lake Illawarra South, Mount Warrigal, Primbee, Peterborough, Warilla North and Windang, offering families insight into local learning pathways across the New South Wales public education system.

Interactive activities, including sensory play, craft and reading spaces, provided a practical introduction to the environments children experience as they transition from preschool to primary school and beyond.

Lake Illawarra High School Principal Jenny Perry said early engagement supports smoother transitions and stronger connections.

“By inviting families into the school environment and connecting them with educators and support services, these transitions become smoother and a sense of belonging is established from the outset,” she said.

This approach reflects established evidence within early childhood education and care (ECEC), where strong relationships and familiarity with new environments support children’s wellbeing and learning. Early exposure to school settings can reduce anxiety, strengthen emotional readiness and promote continuity of learning.

The expo highlighted the range of support available within the public education system, including inclusive learning environments and targeted programs for diverse learners.

Families were introduced to:

• high-quality teaching practice
• inclusive approaches supporting academic, social and emotional development
• the High Performance and Gifted Education (HPGE) Inspire program
• community partnerships that support engagement across the schooling years

This integrated approach aligns with broader policy settings focused on supporting children from the early years through to secondary education.

For many families, participation in preschool marks the first step in a structured learning pathway. Events such as the Kindy Expo reinforce the connection between early learning and formal schooling.

Early planning supports families to:

• understand enrolment processes and timelines
• build relationships with educators and school communities
• identify learning environments aligned with children’s strengths and needs
• reduce transition-related stress
• make informed decisions about education pathways

With Kindergarten enrolments for 2027 now open to children turning five on or before 31 July 2027, families are encouraged to engage early with local schools.

The initiative highlights the importance of strong partnerships between ECEC services and schools in supporting positive transition outcomes.

Educators and centre managers play a key role in facilitating these connections through:

• sharing transition statements with receiving schools
• encouraging family engagement with school communities
• supporting children to develop familiarity with school routines
• collaborating with schools on transition-to-school initiatives

These practices align with the National Quality Framework, particularly in relation to continuity of learning and collaborative partnerships with families and communities.

The Kindy Expo demonstrates that planning a child’s education journey is an ongoing, collaborative process.

By strengthening connections between families, ECEC services and schools, initiatives of this nature support children to transition with confidence and establish strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Read the full article on the NSW Department of Education website about early planning for children’s education journeys here.