Children preparing to start kindergarten at Newling Public School have completed the first chapter of their transition to school program: a playgroup.

The free playgroup operated in Term 3 on Wednesdays and Thursdays for children starting school in 2025.

Principal Stephen Gadd said around 10 children and their parents and carers attended the playgroup, where they participated in play-based learning activities.

“The playgroup allows children to become familiar with their new school environment and develop relationships with students and staff before starting school,” he said.

“They read stories, sing songs, participate in physical activities, learn to sit and listen to the teacher; bathroom routines; how to unpack their lunchboxes; how to move from one space to another – what do I need when I go out of the room, what do I need when I go into the room, what do I need to leave in my bag.

“It’s also about recognising ‘That’s a teacher, they’re here to help, the person in the office is who I go to when I have a sore knee and they’re here to help too’ - and teaching our older kids how to show empathy towards the younger kids.”

In some weeks parents participated in adult sessions, including with a speech pathologist and occupational therapist to learn how intervention can support students.

“We want to give children the best opportunity to be prepared for a successful start to school,” Mr Gadd said.

The playgroup is the newest chapter in the Little Stars transition to school program.

When school resumes for Term 4, children from the playgroup will have the opportunity to attend school transition days without their parents and carers.

“There’s a steady increase in challenge within the activities, with the kids being supported by teachers and problem-solving by themselves and developing independence,” he said.

Mr Gadd said there were limited early childhood education places in the Armidale area and many children had not attended preschool before starting kindergarten.

He said the school had been running the Little Stars transition to school program for five years and found participating children came to kindergarten with a deeper understanding of routines and expectations.

“They are equipped with the tools to navigate a more formal style of learning,” he said.

“Students who have additional needs are also flagged earlier and support is more available to be put in place, so students are more supported.

“Our school is a warm and welcoming environment that places a huge emphasis on the importance of relationships. Our Little Stars program ensures our students come to school knowing the whole school staff, from the office to the teachers.”

The school is planning to expand its transition program next year to offer the playgroup in the first two terms, the school transition days in Term 3 and a program for children who need additional support to transition to school in Term 4.

The NSW Department of Education is committed to creating better transitions between early education and primary school to give children the best start in learning.

A successful transition to primary school has been shown to improve a child’s longer-term academic, social and wellbeing outcomes. 

It lays a strong foundation for positive partnerships and relationships with families to support their ongoing engagement in their children’s learning. 

Newling Public School celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, with events planned for November 22 and 23.