Starting primary school

In South Australia, public primary schools have one intake date, this means:

If your child turns five years before 1 May they can start primary school the first day of term 1 of that year.
If your child turns five on or after 1 May they can start primary school the first day of term 1 of the following year.

The one intake date brings South Australia into line with other states and means every child has four terms of pre-schooling and reception before starting the rest of their schooling.

Your child must be at school by their sixth birthday - this is the compulsory school starting age.

Families should speak to their local early childhood service or school for enquiries about eligibility requirements for children who:

are identified as gifted and talented
are transferring from overseas or interstate
have a recognised disability and may benefit from a longer transitional program from preschool to school.

Moving from preschool to school

As soon as you have decided which school your child will be attending:

contact the school and make an appointment to enrol your child
let the staff at your preschool or kindergarten know - they will arrange a program to help your child get used to that school, and with your permission, the preschool will give the reception teacher and school principal information about your child's learning progress and needs to help with planning.

If your child does not attend a preschool contact the school directly to arrange for your child to be a part of their transition to school program.

Transitioning to primary school

Before starting school, children are usually invited to visit their new school so they can become familiar with it.

Some schools set up buddy systems with older children so that children in reception have a welcoming experience from the beginning. The transition to school program may include:

regular visits to the school over a period of weeks
walks around the school grounds to find out where things are, ie the toilets and playground
spending time in a classroom with a teacher and other students
going to school events such as assembly, library visits, or performances
opportunities to develop relationships with other children and teachers.

It may also include opportunities for parents to:

become familiar with the school and its policies
meet some staff members
ask questions
get information about out of school hours care (OSHC).

What a reception class looks like

Classes are usually smaller in the first few years of primary school. In most cases your child will have one teacher for their daily education.

Students may also have a specialist teacher in subjects such as:

library studies
computing
English as an additional language or dialect
music or choir
foreign language
sport or physical education
art and craft
special reading programs.

There are no standard examination requirements for progression through primary school.

Preparing for the first day of school

To prepare your child for their first day at school:

talk to your child about school and share some positive stories about your primary school days
take your child shopping when you buy their school uniform, school bag, pencils, etc
consider allowing them to choose their lunch box, water bottle or other personal items
write your child's name on their school clothing, bag, lunch box, water bottle and other items
establish a routine at home around sleeping, breakfast, reading books and play time
role play being at school
allow your child to practice wearing the school uniform
encourage your child to learn to dress and undress independently, and to use the toilet appropriately
place extra underwear in their bag in case of an accident
practice walking or travelling to school
arrange for your child to play with other children they know who will be starting school with them.

Helping your child feel more confident

Your child will feel more confident at school if they know:

their name, address and phone number
how to put play things and materials away after using them
how to look after their belongings
the appropriate use of toilet and related hygiene
who will be taking them home after school
how to socialise with other children, take turns and share their toys and books.

Helping your child feel more settled

Your child will feel more settled at school if they understand:

why they can't play with friends in other classes when they want to
why they need to ask to go to the toilet
why they can't go outside when they want to
what the bell is for
what recess time means.

The first few weeks of primary school

One of the most important things you can do to support your child during the first few weeks is to ensure that they go to bed early, reduce their screen time and eat well.

You can also support them by helping them understand that reception is an extension of preschool or kindergarten. Take time to ask them about their day, and find out if they are feeling happy and settled.

If your child is having problems with settling into school, it may be helpful to speak to their teacher.