Is my child ready for school?

Deciding whether your child is ready to start school can feel like a big decision. School readiness is not simply about whether a child can write their name, count to 20 or recognise the alphabet. It includes a combination of social, emotional, physical, communication and self-care skills that help a child participate in the school day.

Every child develops at their own pace, and they do not need to have mastered every skill before beginning school. The following questions can help you consider the areas in which your child feels confident and where they may benefit from some additional support.

Listening and participating

• Can your child listen to a short instruction and attempt to follow it?

• Can they participate in a group activity for a short period?

• Can they move between activities with some support?

• Can they understand and follow simple routines and rules?

• Can they communicate when they need help?

Children are not expected to sit perfectly still for long periods. What matters is their developing ability to engage, listen and return their attention to an activity with age-appropriate support.

Social and emotional skills

• Can your child separate from their parent or carer with support?

• Can they play alongside or with other children?

• Are they beginning to share and take turns?

• Can they communicate with familiar adults and other children?

• Can they cope when an activity does not go as planned?

• Are they beginning to manage frustration, disappointment and waiting?

• Can they ask an adult for comfort or assistance?

Big emotions are a normal part of childhood. School readiness does not mean a child never becomes upset. It means they are beginning to develop ways to recover and accept help from a trusted adult.

Fine motor and early learning skills

• Can your child hold and use a pencil or crayon?

• Can they draw simple pictures or copy basic shapes?

• Can they use scissors and glue with some assistance?

• Can they recognise some colours and shapes?

• Are they developing an interest in letters, numbers, books and stories?

• Can they recognise or attempt to write their name?

These early skills are helpful, but children do not need to be reading, writing or completing formal academic work before starting school.

Independence and self-care

• Can your child manage their clothing with some independence?

• Can they open their school bag and recognise their belongings?

• Can they open their lunch box and manage their food and drink?

• Can they communicate when they need to use the bathroom?

• Can they use the toilet and wash their hands with minimal assistance?

• Can they ask for help when a task is difficult?

Practising these skills at home can help a child feel more capable and confident when school begins.

Movement and coordination

• Can your child walk, run and climb safely?

• Can they participate in playground activities?

• Can they catch, kick or throw a ball?

• Can they balance and coordinate their movements?

• Can they manage a full day without regularly needing a daytime sleep?

Physical skills support a child’s ability to move around the school, participate in play and manage the energy demands of the day.

What if my child cannot do everything on the list?

Try not to view this as a pass-or-fail checklist. Very few children begin school feeling confident in every area.

Instead, notice whether your child can participate in most everyday activities with age-appropriate support. It may also help to speak with their preschool educator, who can share how your child manages routines, group activities and social situations when you are not present.

If several areas are difficult or everyday activities cause significant frustration, an occupational therapy school readiness assessment may help. An occupational therapist can identify your child’s strengths, explore the areas in which they need support and suggest practical ways to prepare for the transition.

If you are uncertain about whether your child is ready for school, contact the friendly team at Stepping Stones OT. We are here to answer your questions and help make the transition feel more manageable for your child and family.

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