Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, May 23
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Education»Is my child ready for school? Things you should consider!
Education

Is my child ready for school? Things you should consider!

Updated:January 24, 20233 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

A typical Prep class can have children whose ages range from four to six years, so how do you know if your child is ready for school?

By MANDY WHITWORTH

All parents want to make sure that their child makes a successful start to school, here are 5 things you should consider:

  1. Education is about nurturing and developing the whole child.
    A young child needs the time to develop, play, create and wonder in a relatively stress free environment in their early years of life. Prep can be emotionally, physically and mentally demanding even for the most school ready child.
  2. Is school readiness about being able to read, write or count?
    No. These abilities are not necessarily a priority for school readiness. You will know when your child is ready to start learning more about numbers, letters and words when they become interested and start asking you questions about each of these things but school readiness is more closely linked to other factors.
  3. Emotional and social maturity is important for school readiness. 
    When children start school we want them to thrive, flourish and enjoy the challenges they are presented. You can consider your child’s emotional and social maturity, through looking at their ability to:
    • deal with separation
    • show initiative
    • demonstrate interest
    • play alongside others
    • concentrate
    • deal with frustration
    • follow instructions
    • express needs
    • demonstrate self-help skills, and
    • participate in small groups
  4. Parental expectations.
    It is important that parents discuss their expectations for their child’s first year at school. These thoughts will help you decide whether your child is ready to embark on the start of their official schooling. Parental expectations play a huge role in the success of a child’s journey throughout every year of schooling so make sure that you are on the same page as your school of choice with expectations.
  5. There is no long term research that shows disadvantages in either starting school a little older or younger.
    The trend of considering if a child has the necessary social and emotional skills to start school is a sensible one; it is a significant shift from the days when it was assumed that all children would be ready at the same time. Consult your child’s preschool teacher to help you make a more informed and considered decision about whether your child is ready to start school.

Remember, your child is going to be at school for a long time, make the decision that is right for them to ensure they are given a flying start!


Mandy has been the Head of Wardle House, the Junior School at Toorak College in Mount Eliza, since 2013. Prior to that she was the Deputy and Curriculum leader. Mandy has over 30 years’ experience in various Primary schools, with particular expertise in the early years of schooling.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM - Carnivale Party at Sk8house
10
11
11:00 AM - Mother's Day at Sk8house - MUM SKATES FOR FREE!!
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
6:00 PM - FLURO NIGHT at Sk8house – Let’s Glow!
1
Carnivale Party at Sk8house
09 May
May 9, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Get ready to roll into a fabulous night full of colour, music and non-stop fun! The Sk8house Carnivale Party will be a magical night of vibrant vibes, [...]
More Info
Mother's Day at Sk8house - MUM SKATES FOR FREE!!
11 May
May 11, 2025    
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
  • Mother's Day
💐 Celebrate Mum on Wheels this Mother’s Day at Sk8house! 💖 This Sunday, 11th May, we’re rolling out the love for all the amazing mums, [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
May 20, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
FLURO NIGHT at Sk8house – Let’s Glow!
31 May
May 31, 2025    
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
Get ready for a night of neon, music and non-stop fun at Sk8house’s FLURO NIGHT! We’re turning down the lights and turning up the fluro [...]
More Info
Events on May 9, 2025
09 May
Carnivale Party at Sk8house
9 May 25
Carrum Downs
Events on May 11, 2025
11 May
Mother's Day at Sk8house - MUM SKATES FOR FREE!!
11 May 25
Carrum Downs
Events on May 20, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
20 May 25
Carrum Downs
Events on May 31, 2025
31 May
FLURO NIGHT at Sk8house – Let’s Glow!
31 May 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
#thinkingofyou
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
#thinkingofyou
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston!
When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event!
——————————————————————————
#southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids 
@southsidefestivalfrankston
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Grab your cameras and hot choccies! Neon Fields returns to glow up Frankston! When the sun goes down it is time to gather family and friends and venture into Neon Fields. Beauty Park will once again be transformed into a colourful fantasy world where you’re invited to interact and play among the lights during this free event! —————————————————————————— #southsidefestival #neonfields #frankston #beautypark #visitfrankston #whatson #whatsonthisweekend #thingstodo #freeevent #photoops #lovepeninsulakids @southsidefestivalfrankston
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions.

Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia.

Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare.

You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au 

@rch.foundation
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
In July, Associate Professor Andrew Kornberg, Senior Neurologist at The RCH Foundation, will embark on a remarkable solo flight around Australia to raise $4.5 million for life-changing treatments for children with rare and complex conditions. Called Fly for the Kids, this one-of-a-kind fundraiser will help establish dedicated spaces, resources, and specialist staff at the RCH, making advanced therapies — including revolutionary gene therapy — more accessible to sick children across Australia. Andrew’s journey will see him revisit patients whose lives have been transformed by advanced therapies, putting real faces and stories to the incredible impact of this innovation in paediatric healthcare. You can learn more about the campaign here: https://flyforthekids.org.au @rch.foundation
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research.

How can people get involved:
Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May)
Donate by calling 1800 423 444
Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures.

@breastcancertrials
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Breast Cancer Trials, ANZ’s largest oncology research group, is holding a ‘matched giving day’ on Thursday, 8th May where – for 24 hours only, donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar by a group of generous supporters. Every dollar raised will be doubled to help fund clinical breast cancer research. How can people get involved: Donate online at breastcancertrials.org.au/givingday (this will go live On Thursday 8th May) Donate by calling 1800 423 444 Follow Breast Cancer Trials on socials and share their own stories, thanks and memories of their mums and mother-figures. @breastcancertrials
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Cute Mother's Day craft to do with the kids for mum!

https://peninsulakids.com.au/spiral-paper-flowers/

#mothersday #crat #craftingwithkids #kidslovecraft #homemadegifts
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Cute Mother's Day craft to do with the kids for mum! https://peninsulakids.com.au/spiral-paper-flowers/ #mothersday #crat #craftingwithkids #kidslovecraft #homemadegifts
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids.

https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
One of my fave parts of Mother's Day, (other than the at-home day spa), is receiving these questionnaires full of funny answers, (and sometimes some hard truths), from my kids. https://peninsulakids.com.au/craft-whats-the-best-thing-about-your-mum/
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌

This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday!

How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩

Have you sent your entry in? 
IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy.
FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 
@chocolate.grove 
——————————————————————————
#peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
Today we received a gorgeous entry for our colouring in competition from a 75 year-old reader of Peninsula Kids magazine in the actual MAIL! 💌 This has made my day so much that I may have to pay the entrant a visit with a special prize for all their effort and for giving me a huge smile on a Monday! How’s that artwork?!?!?! 🤩 Have you sent your entry in? IG: Use Linktree in bio to download a copy. FB: check out pinned/featured post. 🧑‍🎨 @chocolate.grove —————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #colouringin #colouringincompetition #chocolate #chocolatehamper
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
#anzacday #lestweforget
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
#anzacday #lestweforget
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The piggest news is about to drop! 🐷
Be among the first to hear the squeal-worthy scoop, in just a few days time!
Knock! Knock! Who’s there?

Do you think Peppa and George will have a baby brother or sister? Drop your guess in the comments below!

#expectingPigChanges #PeppaPigNewBaby #BigSister #BigBrother 

@officialpeppapig
mornpenkids
mornpenkids
•
Follow
The piggest news is about to drop! 🐷 Be among the first to hear the squeal-worthy scoop, in just a few days time! Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Do you think Peppa and George will have a baby brother or sister? Drop your guess in the comments below! #expectingPigChanges #PeppaPigNewBaby #BigSister #BigBrother @officialpeppapig
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.