When should a child start school?

Mr Peter Scott | Head of Junior School, Bayview | 30 August 2024

Educators have noticed a trend develop over the past 20 years of families starting their children at school later rather than allowing their education to commence at the earliest opportunity.

St Luke’s Grammar School Head of Junior School, Bayview – Peter Scott – says staff have found that this is often a wise decision, ensuring children enter school when they are truly ready, without rushing their development or forcing them to grow up too quickly.

“This increased maturity means that when they start formal schooling, they are more prepared for the learning and social dynamics of Kindergarten and beyond,” he said.

Mr Scott noted however, that each child was unique and added that for many, an earlier start was entirely appropriate.

To help determine this, St Luke’s meets with families prior to enrolment and uses school readiness checklists to help parents decide what is best for their child.

“Research shows the first five years of a child’s life are critical for their development and strongly predict how they will perform in school,” Mr Scott said.

“Early learning is a critical phase in a child's development that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success.”

He added the NSW Government recognised the importance of early learning in 2022, announcing a 10-year investment in universal pre-kindergarten to every four-year-old by 2030.

The importance of play was a pillar in St Luke’s early education program.

“During the critical early years, play serves as a powerful tool for learning, allowing children to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them in a natural and enjoyable way,” he said.

“Through play, children develop crucial cognitive, social, and emotional skills. They engage in imaginative play scenarios, which foster creativity and problem-solving abilities.”

Also, play provides an essential opportunity for children to practice skills such as sharing with others, taking turns, and negotiating with peers – all vital for a smooth transition into formal schooling.

"And play builds their capacity for empathy, compassion and collaboration, skills they will use throughout their lives.”

Mr Scott said St Luke’s Cottage Program (pre-kindergarten) provided a developmentally appropriate blend of play-based and more formalised learning activities in a resource-rich environment.

“It’s a delightful introduction to the rich and exciting world of learning at school, and thoroughly prepares and equips children for the transition to 'big school' the following year.

“We aim to provide children with opportunities to develop the confidence to learn through play and a culture of learning through investigation. We have seen our Cottage learning spaces turned into a vets’ surgery, NASA space station, a zoo and a café. Through investigations like these, our students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to make connections between concepts.”

In addition to Literacy, Numeracy and experiential play, Cottage students receive specialist teaching in Music, Languages, PE, Christian Studies, Art and Information Skills.