What can I expect?

This can be an exciting time for your child. School provides wonderful opportunities for them to grow and learn about the world. Your child will have the opportunity to:

• make new friends
• learn new skills
• become more independent, as well as be part of a group
• explore new environments
• think about, and plan for their future.
• develop confidence, self-esteem and a positive identity.

Give your child lots of encouragement and be enthusiastic about them starting school. You and your family/whānau’s involvement is important and valuable. Your attitudes will play an important role in how they approach this big new stage in their lives.

Starting school involves change – you and your child will be leaving a familiar environment with people you know and stepping into a bigger world with different routines and new people. You may be worried about how your child will cope and if they will be happy there. It’s only natural to feel this way.

You'll also notice that services and support are different from what is provided in early childhood.

Teachers and staff at your new school will need to get to know your child and how they can help them so that they can provide your child with the same opportunities to learn as all students.

Everyone will need to have a shared understanding about what your child needs. For the move from early childhood education to school to go as smoothly as possible it’s important that everyone communicates and works closely together.

When your child starts school you also become part of the school community. This is a great time to get involved in school activities and start meeting other families whose children will move through school with your child.