The Tomaree Peninsula Early Years Network is encouraging parents and carers of children due to begin kindergarten in 2022 to start thinking about enrolling their little ones in big school.
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Network member and education consultant Wendy Eves said that term three resumes on July 12 and that this was the time to enrol children to help make the transition into kindergarten next year as smooth as possible.
"Having a child start school is an exciting milestone in any family," she said. "Having a smooth and happy transition into school can make a huge impact on your child's attitude towards education and learning and improve long term life outcomes.
"When everyone works together to support the child and family to have a positive experience of starting school, it produces positive outcomes for all - the child, the family and the school."
A child is eligible to start school at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 year old on or before July 31 that year. All children must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday.
"It's important to enrol your child in time to be involved in any transition to school programs and activities that may be offered by the school," Ms Eves said, adding that another major player in the transition to school process is the child's early childhood teachers.
"Many parents are unsure about how their child will adapt to school and they feel anxious about this new step in life. It's important to speak with the staff at the child's early childhood setting.
"They are professional educators and will have a clear idea about your child's abilities and how they cope in a group educational setting. If your child does not attend an early childhood centre, ask to speak with the staff at the school your child will be attending."
NSW Government schools operate with catchment areas, depending on address. Parents and carers can contact the school within their catchment area, which can be found online at schoolfinder.education.nsw.gov.au, and ask for an enrolment form.
For a Catholic or independent school, Ms Eves said it was important to contact the desired school as soon as possible and as they can have cut off dates and numbers.
The Tomaree Peninsula Early Years Network is a collaborative group supports children and families in the early years (0-8 years). The network has a focus on the transition to school process and the continuity of learning from early childhood into the formal school years.
The group meets on a regular basis. For more information about the network contact Jaqueline Orwell at Gan Gan Family Centre on 4982 1767
