Should I Send My Child to School Next Year?

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain.

​One of the biggest decisions parents face is deciding whether their child is ready to start school. If your child has a birthday that gives you the option to either start school next year or wait another year, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain.
Every child develops at their own pace, and school readiness is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. It’s about emotional, social, physical, and practical skills that help children feel confident and capable in the classroom environment.
The good news is that there is no “perfect” checklist. Instead, there are some helpful questions you can ask yourself to determine whether your child is ready for this exciting next step. Remember, this is a guide only, and every child is unique.

Can They Do Basic Everyday Tasks?

​Independence is an important part of school readiness. Throughout the school day, children are expected to complete many everyday tasks with minimal adult support. While teachers are always there to help, being able to manage simple self-care skills allows children to participate more confidently and focus on learning.
Consider whether your child can:

• Pull up their own socks and pants
• Open simple food packaging, such as chip packets or lunch containers
• Ask for a drink of water or help when needed
• Manage simple toileting routines independently

These everyday skills help children feel confident and reduce frustration during the school day.

Can They Follow Instructions?

​In the classroom, children are often asked to complete more than one task at a time. Following instructions is an important skill that helps children participate in learning activities and classroom routines.
For example:

• “Put your hat away and sit on the mat.”
• “Pack up your pencils and line up at the door.”

Being able to follow one and two-step instructions helps children participate successfully in classroom routines.

​Can They Identify Their Name?

​Recognising their own name is not essential before starting school, but it can certainly make those first few weeks easier.
Children who can identify their name often find it easier to:

• Locate their belongings
• Find their work and materials in the classroom and on the playground
• Build confidence in the classroom and playground environments

If your child isn’t recognising their name yet, don’t panic. This skill develops at different times for different children.

​Can They Express Their Needs?

​School requires children to communicate with teachers and peers throughout the day. They don’t need perfect speech or language skills, but they should have a functional way to let others know what they need.
Can your child:

• Ask for help?
• Tell an adult when they’re hurt or upset?
• Explain when they need the toilet or are feeling unwell?
• Use words to express their feelings?

Being able to communicate their needs helps children feel safe and supported as they navigate their new environment.

Can They Separate from You Comfortably?

​Starting school means spending several hours away from parents or caregivers, often in a busy and unfamiliar environment.
Ask yourself:

• Can your child say goodbye with minimal distress?
• Have they had experiences being cared for by other trusted adults?
• Do they recover relatively quickly if they become upset?

Some nerves are completely normal, and it’s common for children to feel emotional during the first few weeks. However, children who can settle after separation often adjust more easily to school routines and enjoy learning more quickly.

​Final Thoughts

There is no single test that determines whether a child is ready for school. Every child develops at their own pace, and school readiness is about much more than knowing letters or numbers. It also includes communication, independence, emotional regulation, social skills, and the ability to participate in everyday routines.
Some children thrive when they start earlier, while others benefit from an extra year to grow socially, emotionally, and physically.
As a parent, you know your child best. Consider their independence, communication, emotional readiness, and ability to participate in everyday routines. If you’re still unsure, speak with your child’s preschool teacher, early childhood educator, or a trusted professional who knows your child well. Together, you can decide what will give your child the strongest and most confident start to their school journey.

Remember, school readiness isn’t a race. The goal is to help your child begin their school journey feeling confident, supported, and ready to learn.