Getting Set for Prep

One of our Wide Bay Kids is heading off to Prep next year. It’s not only an emotional time for us as parents, but it’s also a major change for the kids. It’s exciting and stressful all at the same time! For some children it may be the first time they have been away from their parents, adding nerves to the experience.

But never fear! We have found some easy tips to help you make the transition into prep enjoyable.

What age do children start Prep in Queensland?

Prep is the first year of school for children aged 5 by 30 June in the year they enrol.   Prep is is full-time (Mon – Fri, generally 9am to 3pm) and is run in primary schools.   It is not compulsory for your child to attend the Prep .  You can delay entry if you feel your child is not ready.  When they do start school, they will still start in the Prep year.  Check the table below to see when your child can start Prep.

Prep Enrolments. Source: www.qld.gov.au/education/

Choosing a School and enrolling your child in Prep

Contact your School of choice and make an appointment to meet the Principal or Enrollment Coordinator.  When choosing a School you may want to consider:-

• What the student/teacher ratio is
• How are behaviour problems handled
• What extra activities are available to students. Such as music, sports etc.
• How much home work will there be.
• How do schools support children with different learning styles
• How are teachers supported
• Does the school operate a Tuckshop? What foods are served?
• Is there a school bus that may be available
• Is Outside School Hours Care available?  Can the school recommend an alternative such as Family Day Care to drop off and collect children?

Visit www.myschool.edu.au which will allow you to search detailed profiles of Schools.

Familiarise your child with the school environment and routine by:

• attending an orientation program or open day so you can meet your child’s teacher and see the classroom

• showing your child where to put his or her things, such as a school bag and hat

• visiting the school, if possible, when other children are there so that your child can get used to the number of children, the playground and the movement of children around school grounds

• checking with your pre-Prep provider (kindy, childcare) about how they can help children make a smooth transition to school

• encourage children to understand that teachers are at school to help

What your child needs to start Prep?

Each School will provide you with a Book List which will have what children need to start Prep.  Things like A4 paper, glue sticks, pencils, scrapbooks etc.  A lot of Prep Classes pool resources so check with your School.

Uniforms and school shoes can be bought in advance if you know the size you will need.  This can help you budget for what can sometimes be an expensive time of year.  Most Schools have uniforms for sale themselves or you can buy generic school uniforms from places like Lowes, K-Mart etc.

What you can do to prepare for Prep

Before Prep:

• Participate in a Playgroup to help develop a sense of belonging, learning routines and lots of other skills.
• Enroll in Kids Classes to develop language & literacy, self confidence, social and physical skills.
• Attend an Early Education or Care Service.

Encourage your child to be independent by helping them get used to:

• putting on and doing up his or her shoes

• eating and drinking without help (opening lunchboxes, wrapping and unwrapping school lunches and drinking from drink bottles)

• going to the toilet independently

• using playground equipment safely

• carrying his or her own bag

• identifying his or her own belongings

Work with your child to develop his or her communication skills. Help your child to:

• make his or her own needs known

• use appropriate greetings

What to pack in School lunch boxes

We’ve got a stack of great ideas for creating healthy school lunch boxes.  Click here to view.

What are your tips for starting School?  Leave a reply and comments below.