I think as parents you follow your instincts.

I think you as a parent know when your child is ready to start school. Whether 4 or 6 if they can count have an interest in learning spelling are toilet trained know the basics to survive a school day. You will know when they are

i just think you know – if they are showing strong signs of independence and are willing to be adventuring on their own with out you then your good to send them to school, if they are showing an interest and are bored of being a home then it’s time to broaden their minds and encourage their learning.

my daughter started day care when she turn 3 she went for 3 days a week, She went there for 1 year then we took a break and send her to pre primary after she turn 5 and actually said she want to go to school.

Sending kids who are born early to mid year in the year they turn 6 rather than when they are turning 5 is usually the recommendation. Obviously each child is different but the extra time at preschool is beneficial for the majority. It is a challenge though for many people who just can’t afford the costs of daycare or preschool. There needs to be more subsidies So kids get the best start to education.

Far too many mums I know send there kids when their not ready because their worried about being judged by other mums or their kid being labelled……. all it does is hurt the kid as I’ve watched them struggle and try to keep up and adapt to an environment their not ready for.

Don’t let pride get in the way of making the right decision for your child!!!

This is really great advice

I’m relieved my son starts school a little later (born last half of the year) but daycare fees are killing me!!

Im past having to worry about this anymore

Thanks for the read.

All my girls went to school when they were 4 turning 5 at the beginning of the year. They were ready!

So glad I don’t have to think about this anymore.

Glad my Bub is born in June and I don’t have to make that decision

A big step for kiddies and parents

Great article.My little girl surprised me when she first attended to the kinder.I never expected she would be comfortable with kinder environment.She is very shy never perform or sing in front of strangers and hard to talk to strangers.But it took me tears when i first saw she was singing and dancing with other kids on the first day.

My first born was ready for school
1 year before she was allowed to go. We tried to get her into 3 year old preschool but all all spots were taken.

My second is the born at the start of the year and will most likely be one the of the kids who starts school at a later age

Good to know

Excellent advice and something to think about in the years to come

great article

Just go with your gut, every child is different.

My 6 year old has Down Syndrome and is NOT able to follow other then 1step instructions and directions from teachers, is NOT able to cope with minimal adult contact in a large group, is NOT able to speak clearly and communicate her needs, is NOT able to demonstrate fine and gross motor skills like running, jumping, holding a pencil etc., is NOT able to independently go to the toilet, carry her bag and manage her belongings, and yes she has friends but sometimes she gets frustrated and shows escalating behaviour and throws a punch or kicks another student.

Does that mean she is not ready or shouldn’t go to school ? Not at all !