School Transition
Help your child build confidence and skills for a successful start to school in Queensland
What is School Readiness?
School readiness isn’t just about academic skills – it’s about your child having the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive abilities to thrive in a classroom environment. At Fireflies Early Learning, we prepare children for Prep and beyond by nurturing well-rounded development through play-based learning.
Five Key Areas of School Readiness
Starting school is an exciting milestone! At Fireflies Early Learning, we’re here to make the transition smooth, confident, and full of curiosity. Our Queensland Government-approved Kindergarten program is designed for children in the year before school, offering a nurturing, play-based environment where they grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Language & Communication
Speaks in clear sentences Follows multi-step instructions Asks questions and expresses needs Listens to stories with attention Understands basic concepts (colours, numbers, shapes)
Social & Emotional Skills
Separates from parents with confidence Plays cooperatively with peers Shares and takes turns Manages emotions appropriately Shows empathy towards others
Physical Development
Uses scissors with control Holds a pencil correctly Runs, jumps, and climbs confidently Manages toileting independently Feeds themselves and opens lunchbox
Cognitive Skills
Recognises own name in print Counts to 10 and beyond Sorts objects by size/colour Completes simple puzzles Shows curiosity and asks "why?"
Independence & Self-Care
Puts on shoes and jacket Opens food containers Washes hands independently Packs away toys when finished Knows full name and age
Early Literacy & Numeracy
Shows interest in books and reading Recognises some letters Makes marks and attempts writing Understands concepts like "more" and "less" Enjoys rhymes and songs
Activities to Support School Readiness at Home
Read together daily
Make reading a daily habit. Talk about the story, characters, and pictures. Let your child turn pages and "read" to you using the pictures.
Practice Fine Motor Skills
Threading beads, playdough, colouring, cutting with scissors, and building with blocks all develop hand strength and coordination.
Encourage Imaginative Play
Role-playing, dress-ups, and pretend play develop language, creativity, problem-solving, and social skills essential for school.
Sing Songs and Rhymes
Nursery rhymes, counting songs, and alphabet songs make learning fun while developing memory and language skills.
Build Independence
Let your child help with simple tasks—setting the table, tidying toys, putting dirty clothes in the basket, making their bed.
Create and Explore
Painting, drawing, craft activities, and exploring nature encourage creativity, concentration, and fine motor development.
For more ways to support school readiness at home
Download our School Readiness Guide
Fill your details in below
Key Info and Tips
📅 Starting Age in Queensland
Children in Queensland start Prep (the first year of school) if they turn 5 by 30 June in the year they enrol. Children don’t have to start school until they turn 6, but most begin Prep.
🏫 Transition Statements
Your early learning centre will provide a Transition Statement documenting your child’s learning and development. Share this with your child’s new school.
🎒 School Visits
Many schools offer orientation days before the school year starts. Attend these with your child to familiarise them with the environment, teacher, and routines.
💬 Talk About School Positively
Build excitement about school! Talk about the fun things they’ll do, new friends they’ll make, and interesting things they’ll learn. Avoid showing anxiety.
Full of helpful tips on how to know if your little one is ready for school!
Download our School Readiness Guide
Fill your details in belowQuick School Readiness Checklist
By the time your child starts Prep, they may be developing skills such as being able to:
- Dress themselves (excluding difficult buttons/laces)
- Use the toilet independently
- Communicate their needs clearly
- Sit and listen for short periods
- Follow simple classroom routines
- Play and share with other children
- Hold a pencil and crayon correctly
- Recognise their own belongings
- Show interest in learning new things
Adventure Awaits...
We’d love to show you around our beautiful centre and share what makes Fireflies Early Learning such a special place for children to learn, play and grow. Book a tour today and discover a warm, welcoming environment where your child’s wellbeing and development come first.