Y Canberra educators visit Perth to learn from Y WA’s School ReadY success

Four early childhood educators from Y Canberra have travelled to Perth to gain first-hand experience of the Y WA’s successful School ReadY Program, ahead of plans to introduce the initiative across three Y Canberra Early Learning Centres (ELCs) later this year.

During their visit, the Y Canberra team spent time at the Y WA’s Yappara House Early Learning Centre, the Y WA’s East Cannington Early Learning Centre and the Y WA’s Westminster Early Learning Centre - observing the Literacy and Language component of the program in action and learning directly from educators delivering the initiative.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the team to undertake specialised training with the Y WA’s Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza, building their understanding of the evidence-informed approach that underpins School ReadY and the assessment tools used to monitor children’s development.

Developed by the Y WA, School ReadY is designed to support children aged three to five years to develop the foundational skills they need to thrive when they transition to formal schooling. While maintaining a focus on play-based learning, the program also includes intentional teaching experiences to strengthen children's literacy, language, social-emotional and numeracy development.

Y WA Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim McDonald said it was exciting to see the impact of the program extending beyond Western Australia.

“School ReadY was developed to ensure children have the strongest possible foundations before they begin school, and it is incredibly rewarding to see other Y ELCs recognising the value of that work,” Dr McDonald said.

“The visit from Y Canberra demonstrates a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young children and creating opportunities for educators across Australia to learn from one another. We look forward to supporting their implementation journey and continuing to share knowledge, resources and insights.”

Y WA Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza said the Literacy and Language component of School ReadY was designed to build the critical skills children need before formal reading instruction begins.

“Early childhood is a crucial period for language development and literacy learning,” Ms Chakaodza said.

“Through purposeful, engaging and play-based experiences, School ReadY helps children develop key skills such as phonological awareness, vocabulary, listening comprehension and narrative skills. These are the building blocks that support later reading success and lifelong learning.

“It has been wonderful to welcome the Y Canberra team into our centres and share practical strategies that can help deliver positive outcomes for children across the country.”

The Y Canberra team said the visit provided valuable insights into the delivery of the program and reinforced the importance of investing in evidence-based early learning approaches that support children's development before they start school.

School ReadY was developed by the Y WA in 2022 and has been delivered across all 14 Y WA Early Learning Centres since 2024. The program focuses on three developmental domains — Literacy and Language, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and Numeracy. Literacy and Language is currently being delivered across all centres, while Social and Emotional Wellbeing is being piloted, with Numeracy planned for future implementation.

The three Canberra Centres introducing the School ReadY initiative are Strathnairn Early Learning Centre, who will introduce the initiative this year, and Kambah Early Learning Centre and Gungahlin Early Learning Centre, who will introduce School ReadY in 2027.