Starting big school is an exciting milestone for children and families. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with new routines, new relationships and new learning experiences. While reading, writing and counting develop over time, true school readiness is not about children knowing everything before they start school.
At Senses Early Learning Centre, we understand that school readiness is about confidence, emotional security, independence and curiosity. Our Preschool program, guided by the Senses : Ignite curriculum, focuses on building strong foundations that help children feel safe, capable and ready to learn as they transition into school.
School readiness is a journey, not a checklist. The early years play a vital role in shaping how children approach learning, relationships and change.
What does school readiness really mean?
When families hear the term “school readiness”, it is common to think of academic skills. While these emerge naturally, early childhood research consistently shows that readiness is broader and more holistic.
School readiness means your child:
Feels secure in new environments
Can separate from parents with reassurance
Is learning to manage emotions
Can communicate needs and ideas
Shows curiosity and willingness to try
These skills help children settle more easily, build relationships with teachers and peers, and engage positively with learning from the very beginning.
Key school readiness skills supported at Senses ELC
Feeling safe and secure away from parents
One of the biggest transitions when starting school is separating from parents or carers. Children who feel emotionally safe are more likely to settle, participate and learn.
At Senses ELC, consistent routines and strong educator relationships help children build trust and confidence.
Families can support this at home by:
Practising short separations with trusted adults
Keeping goodbye routines calm and predictable
Talking positively about school and new experiences
Managing emotions and big feelings
School introduces new expectations, social dynamics and routines. Children do not need to manage emotions perfectly, but they benefit from learning how to recognise feelings and seek support.
The Senses : Ignite curriculum intentionally supports emotional awareness and regulation through play-based, sensory-rich experiences.
At home, families can:
Name emotions during everyday moments
Model calming strategies such as breathing or taking a pause
Read books that explore feelings and problem-solving
Building friendships and social skills
School is a social environment. Children benefit from learning how to share, take turns, cooperate and resolve small conflicts.
At Senses ELC, collaborative play, group projects and shared experiences help children practise these skills daily within the Preschool program.
Families can support social development by:
Encouraging play with peers in small groups
Using games to practise turn-taking
Modelling respectful language during play
Listening and following simple instructions
In school settings, children are often asked to listen, follow instructions and move between activities. School readiness includes the ability to focus briefly and respond when spoken to.
At home, this can be supported through:
Games that involve listening and responding
Giving clear, simple instructions
Praising effort when children try to follow directions
Communicating needs and ideas
Children do not need advanced language skills before starting school, but they benefit from being able to express needs, ask for help and share ideas.
Language-rich environments at Senses ELC support communication development throughout the day.
Families can encourage this by:
Allowing children to speak for themselves in safe settings
Practising simple phrases for asking for help
Having regular conversations and allowing time for responses
Curiosity and willingness to have a go
School is full of new experiences. Children who are curious and willing to try new things often feel more confident as learners.
The Senses : Ignite curriculum encourages exploration, experimentation and problem-solving through hands-on learning.
At home, families can:
Follow children’s interests
Celebrate effort rather than outcomes
Encourage persistence with reassurance
Independence with everyday tasks
Independence helps children feel capable and confident at school. This includes managing belongings, toileting, handwashing and opening lunch containers.
Preschool routines at Senses ELC are designed to gently build independence in age-appropriate ways.
Families can support this by:
Practising opening lunchboxes and drink bottles
Encouraging children to dress themselves
Involving children in daily routines
Fine and gross motor development
School days involve drawing, writing, sitting on the mat and active outdoor play. Strong fine and gross motor skills support comfort and confidence.
The Preschool program incorporates movement, outdoor play and creative experiences to build strength and coordination.
At home, this can be supported through:
Drawing, cutting and building activities
Outdoor play such as climbing, running and balancing
Shared story time sitting together on the floor
Building resilience and coping with change
Starting school is a significant transition. Children benefit from learning that it is okay to feel unsure and that challenges can be worked through with support.
At Senses ELC, children are supported to problem-solve, adapt to change and build resilience over time.
Families can encourage resilience by:
Talking openly about upcoming changes
Sharing stories of learning something new
Reassuring children that support is always available
How Senses ELC supports school readiness
Our Preschool program, guided by the Senses : Ignite curriculum, is intentionally designed to support school readiness in a play-based, child-centred way. Through sensory-rich experiences, children develop confidence, independence, communication skills and emotional awareness.
School readiness at Senses ELC is not about rushing children or pushing academic outcomes early. It is about creating a strong foundation where children feel secure, curious and capable.
Children are at school to learn socially, emotionally, physically and academically. Our role is to help them arrive feeling ready to take that next step.
Frequently asked questions about school readiness
What age should children be school ready?
School readiness develops gradually throughout the early years. There is no single age or checklist. Children build readiness skills over time through play, relationships and everyday experiences.
Does my child need to read or write before starting school?
No. Schools expect children to learn reading and writing once they start. What matters most is confidence, communication, independence and emotional readiness.
How does early learning support school readiness?
High-quality early learning programs support social skills, emotional regulation, communication, resilience and curiosity, all of which help children transition into school confidently.
If you would like to learn more about how our Preschool program supports school readiness, we invite you to book a tour and speak with our educators about your child’s learning journey.
