Transition to school how to guide
The Starting Kindergarten Toolkit has been developed to support early childhood education and care (ECEC) services support families as they prepare for their child’s transition to school.
The toolkit includes practical, easy-to-share resources that:
- help parents and carers understand the transition to school process
- provide ideas to support their child’s learning, wellbeing, and independence
- encourage connection with their new school community
- ensure the messaging of ‘readiness’ is understood to reflect a holistic understanding of each child and a shared responsibility between key stakeholders.
ECEC services play a key role in supporting strong transitions. You might use these resources by:
- sharing them with parents and carers in person or online
- embedding them into planning meetings, conversations, or newsletters
- using them to answer common family questions during the year before school
How this toolkit aligns with the National Quality Standard: These resources have been developed to align with the National Quality Standard, particularly in support of:
Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
- Standard 1.1: Program
- Element: 1.1.3 Program learning opportunities
Quality Area 6: Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
- Standard 6.1 Supportive relationships with families
- Element: 6.1.3 Families are supported
- Standard 6.2 Collaborative partnerships
- Element: 6.2.1 Transitions
Continuity of learning and transitions is reflected in several other quality areas. See the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) information sheet for other quality areas of particular focus.
Resource 1: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A resource for parents and carers that answers common questions about starting school from when to enrol, to how to support a smooth transition at home.
Share this resource early in the year before a child starts Kindergarten (for example Term 1 or Term 2). This gives families time to explore school options, enrol early, and begin thinking about their child’s school readiness.
Starting school is a big step for children and for families. To help make the journey easier, the NSW Department of Education has created a short guide that answers some of the most common questions about starting school. From when to enrol, to how to support your child’s confidence and routines, this resource offers clear, practical advice. If you have any questions, we’re here to help.
You could include this text and resources:
- In a newsletter
- As a note home or email to families with preschool-aged children
- On your communication app
Resource 2: Timeline to Kindergarten
The Timeline to Kindergarten is a practical, month-by-month guide for parents and carers in the year before their child starts Kindergarten.
It highlights key steps and milestones like finding your local school, confirming enrolment, attending orientation and links to helpful resources to support families and children along the way.
This resource can help parents and carers:
- understand when to take key actions
- plan ahead without feeling overwhelmed
- support their child’s confidence and independence over time
Share this resource early in the year before school ideally in Term 1 so families can use it throughout the year. If a child has additional needs or will benefit from a longer lead-in time, you may choose to share the resource earlier or use it as part of planning conversations with families.
Preparing for school is a journey and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
To help make the transition smoother, the NSW Department of Education has developed a simple Timeline to Kindergarten.
It’s a practical guide that outlines what to focus on and when, from confirming enrolment to attending school events and building your child’s confidence.
Whether it’s your first time navigating school or you just want a clear plan, this resource is designed to help your child and your family feel informed, ready and supported.
You could include this text and resources:
- As a handout during planning or information sessions
- In Term 1 newsletters or family communication platforms
- During one-on-one conversations with families of preschool-aged children
Resource 3: Daisy’s First Day book
Daisy’s First Day is a short story, designed to help parents and carers talk with their child about what to expect when starting school. There is also an animated version of the story.
Created by the NSW Department of Education, this engaging resource uses familiar settings, gentle language and relatable images to:
- explain key routines and feelings involved in starting school
- build children’s confidence and reduce uncertainty
- support meaningful conversations at home.
The story follows Daisy the koala as she navigates her first day meeting her teacher, making new friends, trying new things, and learning to feel comfortable in her new environment.
Share this resource with parents and carers in Term 4, when many children are preparing for orientation sessions or becoming more curious about school. It’s especially helpful in the weeks leading up to the start of school, or as a follow-up to school visits.
Starting school is a big step and reading together can help make it feel more familiar.
Daisy’s First Day is a short, animated story created by the NSW Department of Education. It follows Daisy the koala as she experiences her first day at school learning new routines, meeting her teacher, making friends, and discovering new things.
Watching or reading the story together is a simple way to talk about starting school with your child. You might like to ask:
- What do you think Daisy was feeling?
- Is there anything you’re wondering or feeling unsure about?
- You could also share your own school memories and talk about how everyone feels a little nervous when trying something new and how those feelings often change with time.
You could include this text and resources:
- From October, at the start of Term 4, when orientation events begin
- In newsletters or digital platforms as part of your transition support
- As part of your learning program by watching the video or reading the story with children or using it for group discussion