Focus: Raise awareness and build connections

• Identify which children may be starting school the following year.
• Gently introduce the idea of transition to school with families – it’s a journey, not a one-off event.
• Encourage families to explore local school websites or attend school open days.
• Encourage families to enrol early at their local public school.
• Share enrolment information and local school information where possible.
• Where possible, start building relationships with local schools by inviting a school principal or kindergarten teacher to visit and speak to parents and carers.

Share relevant resources such as:

• School Finder
• Going to Primary School
• Inclusive learning support: When to talk to your local school

Consider different channels including online parent/carer digital communication platforms.

Focus: Raise enrolment awareness and build children’s understanding of what to expect at school

• Once children are settled, work with families to establish learning and development goals.
• Share the starting kindergarten FAQs.
• Start preparing for the Transition to School Digital Statement by collecting parent and carer consent and adding in children’s details into the platform. Getting ready early means you’ll be able to focus on the child’s development when it's time to complete the statement.

Focus: Transition planning and school partnerships

• Where possible, arrange or attend a transition or partnership meeting with the local school.
• Confirm how and when you’ll complete and share the child’s Transition to School Digital Statement and discuss what information will be most helpful for the school.

Begin embedding transition into your program:

• Visit the local school (if feasible).
• Continue to read books and use stories to support children’s understanding of school.
• Use storytelling, dramatic play (including with school uniforms), and group discussions to explore what school might look and feel like for children.

• Start “lunchbox days”.
• Uniform days.
• Mark the end of children’s time at the service with a meaningful activities to acknowledge their transition to school.
• Share some useful information on School safety from Transport for NSW.
• Finalise and send Transition to School Statements to schools.

• Support children to explore their feelings – both excitement and worry, about starting school.
• Finalise and send Transition to School Statements to schools (if not already shared).

Share useful resources, such as:

• Daisy’s First Day
• Getting ready for primary school guide
• Safe travel
• Primary schools

Focus: Celebrate and support closure

• Create opportunities for children to reflect on their time and learning at the service and look ahead with confidence.