• Find your local school: use the School Finder to find your local public school.
• Visit school websites: learn about school values, routines, and curriculum.
• Subscribe to updates: sign up for school newsletters or follow the school’s social media channels.
• Attend open days/evenings: if available, book a school tour or attend an open day.
• Discuss starting school: talk with your child’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) teacher or educator about starting school.
• Collate documentation to support your child’s enrolment including:
  • child's birth certificate or identity documents
  • proof of child's address 
  • immunisation history statement from the  Australian Immunisation Register
  • any family law or other relevant court orders, if applicable
  • if your child has health, disability or other support needs you will need to provide copies of medical/healthcare or emergency action plan and evidence of any disability and learning and support plans.

Temporary residents may be required to provide additional documentation such as:

• passport or travel documents
• current and previous visas (if applicable)
• current Authority to Enrol (if required).

• Enrol your child: you can complete the online enrolment application. The is also an application to enrol form (PDF 770 KB) is also available or you can contact the school directly.
• Complete your child’s 4-year-old health and development check with your doctor. a child and family health nurse or at your child’s ECEC service.

• Consider care arrangements. Explore out of school hours care using the Starting Blocks ECEC finder tool.
• Meet with your child’s ECEC teacher or educator to discuss your child's learning and development goals.

• Share information: provide the school with any relevant details about your child’s needs.
• Talk to your child’s teacher or educator about the transition to school statement.
• Participate in any school orientation or transition sessions.
• Consider your options to get your child to and from school. Some resources you may find helpful Safe travel, plan your trip.

• Establish routines: practice packing a bag, managing toileting, dressing independently, and getting ready on time.
• Attend orientation sessions at the school.
• Purchase the school uniform.
• Update any medical/healthcare or emergency action plan as well as information about a disability and or learning and support plans to the department’s online enrolment system.

• Consider what adjustments, if any, you may need to make to your daily routines at home and start preparing.
• Label belongings: ensure all items are labelled and help your child manage their belongings.
• Talk positively: discuss school in an encouraging manner and address any questions your child has.

• Practice traveling to the school: familiarise your child with the journey to school.
• Reassure your child: talk about what to expect and acknowledge their feelings.

• Ensure rest: help your child get a good night’s sleep.
• Pack together: lay out uniforms and pack the school bag together.
• Prepare items: get uniforms, bags, and lunchboxes ready.
• Remind your child you’ll be there at the end of the day and that their teacher is there to help.