Choosing a school and enrolling

The transition to school can be challenging for your child and the family. It’s best to start planning at least 12 months before your child will start school.

Selecting a school

All children are entitled to enrol at their closest appropriate state school. Some schools may have reached enrolment capacity.

To help you choose the right school for your child, you can:

• attend school open days
• talk to parents of students at the school about what they like or don’t like about the school
• ask the opinion of people who know your child, for example their kindy teacher or therapist
• decide if you want your other children to attend the same school
• meet with the principals of the schools you are considering. Prepare a list of questions about relevant topics, including:
  • school size and class size
  • accessibility
  • experience in dealing with students with disability
  • support programs and resources.

Find contact details for state, independent and catholic schools in the online schools directory.

Is my child ready for Prep?

Your child must be at least 5 years old by 30 June in the year they start Prep. If you think your child isn’t ready to start Prep at that time, they can start a year later. Talk to the school of your choice and your child’s therapist or kindy teacher if you have concerns about this.

All children have to be enrolled in school by the time they are 6 years and 6 months old.

• Find out more about Prep eligibility and access.
• Read how to prepare your child for Prep.

Preparing for school

If your child has been part of Education Queensland's early childhood development program, it’s likely that there is a transition plan. Information about your child should have been forwarded to your school of choice.

Find out what supports your early intervention service can offer you during transition (e.g. attend planning meetings with you and your child’s Prep or school staff.)

You can also make the transition easier by:

• asking the kindy teacher to talk to the school about your child's abilities and needs
• asking the therapists working with your child to write a report about your child’s development and skills.

You can help your child prepare for school by:

• showing them that you believe they are ready for school
• talking about school and your own happy school memories
• visiting the school at different times of the day (e.g. after school) and on Open Day
• introducing the teacher beforehand if possible
• arranging for them to buddy-up with another child, e.g. a neighbour’s child
• shopping together for the uniform, backpack and lunchbox
• getting into a routine beforehand (e.g. waking up at a set time and doing afternoon ‘homework')
• introducing your child to the concept of timetables
• trying more activities that will help your child build their concentration levels such as structured play and reading activities.

Enrolling your child

Call or visit the school of your choice. Staff will be able to help you with the enrolment process. You will need to complete some enrolment forms. You may be asked to have an interview with a staff member.

Helpful links

• Find out about support available for students with disability and inclusive education in Queensland state schools.
• A guide to state schools provides general information about Queensland state schools.
• The online schools directory provides contact details for state, independent and catholic schools.
• The School Transport Assistance Program and the Non-State School Transport Assistance Scheme offers financial assistance to eligible students.