PARENT INFORMATION

SCHOOL READINESS

Readiness for school is an important factor for consideration before starting school.  International research emphasises that certain areas of development and maturity are essential for children so that once at school, they are able to maximise the opportunities provided.  Social and emotional development is the most important thing to consider for a child in regard to school readiness.  This is in contrast to what many people believe - reading, writing and knowing colours or numbers are NOT readiness indicators. 

Questions to help parents decide include, “Can my child...”

  • Separate easily from parent/carer at drop off.

  • Independently make a decision of where they are going to work or play.

  • Sit with the group and remain engaged.

  • Solve basic problems and ask for help from staff when needed.

  • Work and play well beside other children.

  • Have basic independence skills (able to put shoes and socks on, art smock on, toileting independently).

  • Sit with the group (e.g. mat time), remain focused, ask questions and answer questions.

  • Self regulate their emotional response when they are asked to do something they don’t want to.

At Oatlands Primary School, we strongly recommend children start school the year they are turning 6. Children born between January 1st to April 30th can start school the year they are turning 5, but just because they are legally allowed to start school does not mean they will be ready. Victoria has one of the youngest school age entries of anywhere in the world.

Children are entitled to two years of funded Kindergarten in Victoria, so families are being encouraged to plan ahead in determining when they would like their child to commence school. Not all children are eligible to do an extra year of kindergarten, even if you decide they are not ready to start school. We suggest you work out the year your child will be turning 6 and enrol your child in 3 and 4 year old kindergarten accordingly.

If you already have a child in childcare or 3- or 4-year-old kindergarten, the teacher, alongside the parent, is usually the most able to appropriately assess a child for school readiness. Preschool field officers can provide additional information and assessment to children at no charge in the funded 4year-old program. We also have school psychologists available at Oatlands Primary School who can provide our families with advice around school readiness. 

Where possible, starting school later can lead to many positive outcomes. Research suggests that boys may benefit from having an additional year to mature before commencement. Multiple births or children significantly premature may also benefit. Ask yourself, “am I in a rush to send my child to school?” There is no detrimental impact of giving a child an additional year, in fact it is often viewed as a bonus year. Please don’t assume children will magically ‘catch up’ once they start school. In the majority of cases, they don’t, and the problems in maturity usually become more pronounced.

Please don’t send a child to school thinking your child can just repeat prep if they have to. Like most schools, at OPS we do not offer repeat years as this often creates more challenges for children. Therefore, starting school at the right time is key.

Making well informed decisions about children and school readiness is paramount to giving children the opportunity to thrive at school….not just survive!

  TRANSITION FROM KINDER TO PRIMARY SCHOOL

For 2026 Prep enrolment, please apply on the VicStudents portal located here.

Transition from kindergarten to primary school is an exciting, yet often daunting process for children and parents alike. Below are some tips to smooth the way for your child (and yourself!) to ensure their readiness for prep.

  • Encourage your child to learn and recognise their full name.

  • Foster confidence by giving your child simple responsibilities at home including: setting the table and making their bed.

  • Where practical, walk your child to and from school, ensuring to use the school crossings.

  • Try to read a story with your child everyday.

  • Promote discussion with your child by asking about their daily activities and sequencing of daily events.

  • Teach your child to tie their shoelaces.

  • Supply easy to eat, nutritious lunches in packets or containers that your child can easily open.

  • Promote independence by encouraging your child to carry their own bag, look after their belongings and hang up their own school bag in the supplied space.

  • Ensure all school items including lunch box, drink bottles, hat and jumper are clearly named.

  • Be mindful that your child has adequate rest. A tired child cannot learn effectively. Whilst sleep requirements vary with each indvidaul child, please ensure that your child has adequate sleep to be ready for the day ahead.

  • Encourage positivity!

  • Read through our information booklet located here

LEAP INTO LEARNING

 At Oatlands we offer a 'Leap into Learning' Program to transition students smoothly from Kinder to their first year of Prep. The 'Leap into Learning' program ensures your child is comfortable and familiar in their new surroundings prior to the new school year beginning. Our program introduces students to the rules and routines of a Prep classroom and includes activities such as getting to know each other games, cutting, drawing, jigsaw puzzles, singing and dancing. Your child will love coming to school each week, meeting new friends and playing games. Visit the school office to enrol for Leap Into Learning!

Please see our Leap into Learning brochure located here for more information.

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

 At the beginning of each year all classes/students are involved in developing a class mission and vision statement. This statement also contains class goal(s) and expectations for the year. By the end of week three it is planned that every student will take home (to their parents) a pamphlet or a written letter outlining the vision, mission and goals that they have developed in their class. A copy of each grade's pamphlet will also be available to view on the grade's blog.

This program helps students and their teacher to focus on their personal and class goals for the year and assists to set a very positive tone both in the classroom and out in the school grounds.

 

 SCHOOL ZONING

 

Our school zone is available on Find My School hosts the most up-to-date information about Victorian school zones for 2021 onwards.

Students residing in this zone are guaranteed a place at our school, which is determined on the basis of your permanent residential address.

The Department provides guidance through the School Placement Policy to ensure that students have access to their designated neighbourhood school and the freedom to choose other schools, subject to facility limitations.

You can find more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the Department’s website under School Zones.  

PARENT CONTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

Parent Payments and Contributions

Oatlands Primary School provides students with free instruction to fulfil the standard curriculum requirements and parent payments are voluntary. The ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer an enriched curriculum and learning experience extending what is funded by the Government. We want to thank all families for your support, whether that is through making parent payments, fundraising and/or volunteering your time. This makes a difference to our school and the programs we can offer.

Further details on the Department of Education’s Parent Payment Policy can be found at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/parent-payment/policy