Preparing Your Child for Primary School: A Parent’s Guide to School Readiness
Most parents think school readiness means knowing letters and numbers. The real challenge lies in helping your child build social-emotional skills, independence, and confidence to face a whole new world.
Understanding School Readiness
School readiness goes beyond academic skills like knowing the alphabet or counting to ten. Research shows that social and emotional development are the strongest indicators of how well your child will adapt to primary school. Children who can manage their feelings, interact positively with others, and show curiosity about learning are best positioned for a smooth transition.
What Does School Readiness Really Mean?
When we talk about school readiness, many parents immediately think of academic skills. However, research consistently shows that the most important factors for a smooth start to school are social and emotional readiness. Social and emotional development, rather than academic abilities like reading or counting, are the key indicators of school readiness.
The Foundation of School Success
At Saige Early Learning, our play-based learning approach recognises that children develop essential skills through exploration and discovery. Children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and the ability to regulate their behaviour, leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning.
Key Areas of Development for Primary School
1. Social-Emotional Development
Social-emotional skills form the cornerstone of your child’s ability to succeed at school. These include:
Self-regulation: The ability to manage emotions and behaviour appropriately in different situations
Emotional recognition: Understanding and expressing feelings in healthy ways
Empathy: Recognising and responding to the emotions of others
Resilience: Bouncing back from challenges and setbacks
Emotional regulation skills help children better cope with stress, develop stronger relationships, negotiate effectively with other children, and have a more positive sense of self—all critical skills for a smooth transition to school.
At Saige Early Learning, our experienced educators create nurturing environments where children learn to navigate their emotions, build friendships, and develop the confidence to tackle new challenges.
2. Independence and Self-Care Skills
Before starting primary school, children should be developing independence in everyday tasks:
Toileting independently
Opening lunch boxes and food containers
Putting on shoes and socks
Managing their belongings
Following multi-step instructions
Self-care skills such as dressing and toileting independently are fundamental school readiness skills, and children who struggle with these basics can find themselves playing ‘catch up’ compared to their peers.
3. Social Skills and Peer Relationships
The ability to interact positively with others is crucial for primary school success. Your child should be developing skills in:
Sharing and taking turns
Making decisions about where to play and what to do
Sustaining engagement in activities for 6-8 minutes
Communicating needs and feelings appropriately
Problem-solving during social interactions
The ability to separate easily from parents, self-initiate activities, and sustain engagement are key indicators of social and emotional maturity related to school readiness.
4. Language and Communication
Strong oral language skills provide the foundation for literacy development. Children entering primary school should be:
Expressing themselves clearly
Following instructions
Engaging in conversations
Asking questions and seeking help
Understanding and using new vocabulary
Vocabulary knowledge on entering school is one of the key predictors of the ease with which a child learns to read, with a rich oral language environment providing the best preparation for schooling.
5. Physical Development
Gross motor skills and fine motor skills support your child’s ability to participate fully in school activities:
Sitting upright comfortably throughout the school day
Running, jumping, and playing safely
Holding pencils and crayons correctly
Using scissors and manipulating small objects
Developing hand-eye coordination
The Power of Play-Based Learning
At Saige Early Learning, play is at the heart of everything we do. Our play-based learning approach aligns with the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which recognises that children learn best through exploration and hands-on experiences.
Play-based learning allows children to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social-emotional intelligence naturally and engagingly through child-led exploration and intentional teaching.
How Play Prepares Children for School
Through play, children naturally develop:
Cognitive skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory
Social skills: Cooperation, negotiation, and empathy
Emotional regulation: Managing frustration and expressing feelings appropriately
Physical skills: Coordination, balance, and fine motor control
Language skills: Communication, vocabulary, and storytelling
Supporting Your Child’s Transition to School
Creating Positive School Expectations
Relationships are the core of successful transitions, and creating positive expectations about school through social stories and familiarisation visits helps children feel confident about their new learning environment.
Here are practical ways to support your child:
Visit the school together: Familiarise your child with the school environment, meet teachers, and explore the playground
Establish routines: Practice morning routines and school-day schedules at home
Encourage independence: Give your child opportunities to complete tasks on their own with gentle support
Read together: Share stories about starting school and discuss any concerns
Maintain consistent routines: Keep bedtime, mealtimes, and reading routines regular, especially as children can become tired with the excitement of new experiences
The Role of Early Childhood Education
Quality early childhood education plays a vital role in school readiness. Early childhood teachers and educators play a key role in bringing families and schools together to establish transition practices that best meet the needs of each child and contribute to their sense of belonging.
At Saige Early Learning, our preschool program provides preparatory programmes that set the foundation for lifelong learning and a smooth transition to school life. Our qualified educators work closely with families to ensure each child develops the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for primary school success.
The Importance of Timing
Every child develops at their own pace, and school readiness isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring your child has the emotional maturity and social skills to thrive. There is no detrimental impact of giving a child an additional year of early learning; in fact, it is often viewed as a bonus, as children shouldn’t be expected to magically ‘catch up’ once they start school.
Signs Your Child Is Ready
Your child may be ready for primary school if they can:
Separate easily from you at drop-off
Make independent decisions about activities
Sustain focus on tasks for several minutes
Solve basic problems independently
Manage their emotional responses appropriately
Complete self-care tasks independently
The Saige Early Learning Difference
At Saige Early Learning, we embrace a child-centred approach that respects each child’s individuality. Our experienced educators create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Our Commitment to School Readiness
Personalised learning: We tailor our programmes to meet each child’s unique needs and interests
Qualified educators: Our passionate team provides the highest quality care and education
Play-based approach: Children learn through exploration, creativity, and discovery at their own pace
Strong partnerships: We work closely with families and local schools to support smooth transitions
Holistic development: We focus on nurturing the whole child—not just academic skills
Looking Ahead
Starting primary school is an exciting adventure, and with the right preparation, your child will be ready to embrace this new chapter with confidence and enthusiasm. Remember, school readiness is not about perfection; it’s about giving your child the social, emotional, and cognitive foundation to learn, grow, and flourish.
At Saige Early Learning in Gregory Hills, we’re committed to preparing children for lifelong learning success. Our nurturing environment, experienced educators, and evidence-based practices ensure that every child develops the skills they need to thrive in primary school and beyond.
Ready to give your child the best start? Contact Saige Early Learning at enrolments@saigeearlylearning.com.au or visit us at 67-77 Lasso Road, Gregory Hills, NSW 2557. Book a tour to see how we’re building confident, capable, and curious learners ready for primary school success.