Local School Information

Quality early childhood education and care services play an important role in supporting children and families in the transition to school. We are planning in the next 1-2 months, our local schools coming into our Stanhope Garden centre to have parent information sessiona to help with the difficult decision on schooling…where should you send your child to school next year.

When you have considered your child’s personality, learning styles, learning needs and interests, think about your whole family’s needs:

  • Do you have other children? If you would like all your children to attend the same school, consider siblings and the suitability of the school for them.
  • How closely is the school linked with your local community?
  • Are there opportunities for parent and family involvement with the school?
  • What is the availability of before, after school or vacation care if needed?
  • How easy is it to travel between home, school and your workplace (if appropriate)?
  • Do you have a preference for public or private education?

What are the options?

There are three different education systems:

  • Public or government schools
  • Catholic schools
  • Independent or private schools

Each system differs in the way they provide support to students with developmental delay or disability.

Public schools may offer a number of different options for supporting children with disabilities. For more information about mainstream public schools, support classes, and special schools.

Start Locally

Ask your child’s educators who work with your child if they may know of schools which you might like to consider within your local area. It may also be helpful to talk to friends and neighbours. It may also be a great idea if you talk to your child’s friends parents within your room to see where they are sending their child to school, this may help the children out to know someone at school to help with the anxious feelings that may happen.

Public Schools

It is every child’s right to attend their local public school.

There are many advantages to attending your local school. There will be children within your local community who attend the same school and if you have other children they can also attend that school. The first point of contact for all types of public school options is your local public school.

It may possible to apply for a school for which is not in your local area. This can be done after you have made contact with your local school. The principal of your local school can help you to do this. This can also be done if your other children have attended the school and have moved out of area.

Catholic Schools

If you are interested in your child attending a Catholic School, your first point of contact should be the principal of your local Parish school. It is possible to apply for a Catholic School outside your local area, however, the first place to start is with your local Parish school. Click on the link for more information.

Australian Schools Directory

Independent Schools

If you are interested in your child attending an independent school, you will need to contact the individual school directly. Ask for a prospectus to be sent to you with information about the school and if you are interested in applying for the school, make an appointment to meet with the principal.

There are also a number of independent special schools and support classes in NSW. Click on the link for more information.

Australian Schools Directory.

Distance education

Distance education is for students who are geographically isolated or whose special circumstances prevent them from attending school on a regular basis.
Click on the link below for more information.

Australian Schools Directory.

Transitioning to school from preschool

A positive start to school is important and depends on everyone working together to make it happen – family, community, early childhood service and the school team.

A positive start to school includes:

  • development of secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
  • conversations between children, teachers, families and the community
  • high expectations and equity for every child
  • recognition and acknowledgement of cultural diversity
  • collaboration between early childhood services and schools
  • building on knowledge, skills and interests of a child
  • deep understanding of how young children learn.

Relationships with families

The importance of building collaborative partnerships with families is reflected under Quality Area 6 of the National Quality Standard (NQS), in particular:

Standard 6.1 Respectful supportive relationships with families are developed and maintained
Element 6.1.2 Families have opportunities to be involved in the service and contribute to service decisions.
Standard 6.2 Families are supported in their parenting role and their values and beliefs about child rearing are respected.
Element 6.2.1 The expertise of families is recognised, and they share in decision making about their child’s learning and well-being.
One of the principles guiding the National Quality Framework is that the role of parents and families is respected and supported.

Scaffolding learning

Outcome 4 of the Early Years Learning Framework acknowledges children as confident and involved learners that develop a range of skills. Dispositions such as creativity, cooperation, persistence and imagination can assist children in the transition to school.

Standard 4.1 Develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
Explores different ways of doing things
Shows curiosity about events and experiences
Shows curiosity, engagement and purpose in learning
Perseveres when faced with challenges, making several attempts before seeking help.
Express wonder and interest in their environments
Uses play to investigate, imagine and explore ideas
Participate in a variety of rich and meaningful inquiry-based experiences
Responds to music, artworks, dance, drama and media and incorporates creative ideas in play

Click on the link for more information - BELONGING, BEING & BECOMING