5 ways to support your child’s start to school

Starting school is a big change for every child. For children with disabilities or developmental differences, it can feel like an even bigger change. With good planning and support, your child can feel safe, happy, and ready to learn.

Here are 5 ways to help:

1. Find the best school option for your child

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to starting school. Children with additional needs may benefit from different pathways such as:

• doing another year of kindergarten
• going to a specialist school
• going to a mainstream school with additional supports

Understanding your options can help you make a decision that aligns with your child's strengths, needs and individual learning style. 

2. Build everyday skills to join in at school

School readiness is not about ticking the boxes. It's about helping your child participate in ways that are meaningful to them. This might be:

• looking after themselves - carrying their own bag or going to the toilet
• social skills - making friends, taking turns and understanding routines
• communication - expressing their needs
• motor skills - using their hands and body to navigate the classroom

These skills can be practiced at home, during play, and with support from your child's team.

3. Help your child prepare for their new school

Starting a new school with a new routine can be scary. Preparing for the change can help ease the process. You can help by:

• visiting the school at open days
• joining transition sessions
• creating a social story with photos and stories about their new school
• using words and pictures that are meaningful to your child

These tools can help your child feel safer in knowing what to expect.

4. Create a support team

Your child will benefit from a strong team surrounding them. This can mean:

• talking with teachers, therapists and other carers
• sharing your child's strengths and needs
• working together on shared plans and goals

When everyone works together, your child gets consistent, stable support everywhere.

5. Ask for help

You do not have to do this alone. We can help with:

• school readiness groups
• individual support for you and your child
• working with your child's school and other professionals

To learn more, call our customer support team on 1800 343 287.