• Use School Finder to find your local public school.
• Visit your local public school website to learn more about what schools have to offer – from their school newsletter to their daily routines and curriculum.
  • Follow the school’s social media channels to stay updated.
  • Attend open events or book a school tour (where available) to learn more.

• Talk with your child’s early childhood teacher or educator about starting school.
• Start gathering the documents 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. This will enable the school to work with you to meet your child’s learning and support needs.

* Temporary residents may be required to provide additional documentation.

Term 1 January/February - April

• Enrol your child - you can complete the online enrolment application or via the school’s website.
  • For more information including on local and non-local enrolment, an application to enrolment form to print or translated versions visit the enrolment page. You can also 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 early learning service. Find out more on the Health and Development Checks in early learning services page.

Term 2 April - July

• Consider care arrangements if needed. Explore onsite outside of school hours care using the School Finder.
• Meet with your child’s early childhood teacher or educator to discuss your child’s learning, development and individual needs.

Term 3 July - September

• Provide the school with any relevant details about your child’s needs.
• Share any cultural, family or community information that will help the school get to know your child and support their sense of belonging.
• Talk to your child’s early childhood teacher or educator about the completion of their Transition to School Digital Statement to help support continuity of learning.
• Participate in any transition to school activities that help your child become familiar with school.
• Consider your travel options to get your child to and from school.

Term 4 October - December

• Establish routines with your child. Practice packing a bag, managing toileting, dressing and getting ready on time.
• Attend orientation sessions at the school and talk to your child about what they noticed, how they felt and who they met.
• Plan ahead to get a school uniform (if you need support contact the school).
• Provide the school with any updated information on your child.

Summer school holidays

• Consider what adjustments, if any, you may need to make to your daily routines.
• Label your child’s belongings and support them to recognise and manage their things.
• Practice traveling to the school with your child so they can become familiar with the journey.
• Continue to talk with your child about starting school in ways that feel comfortable for your family.

• Help your child get a good night’s sleep.
• Lay out uniforms, prepare a lunchbox and pack the school bag together.
• Remind your child you’ll be there at the end of the day and that their teacher is there to help.