Starting Big School, a Milestone for the Whole Family

The transition to primary school is one of the biggest milestones in a young child’s life, and preparing for primary school can feel like a huge step for both children and parents. Letting go of the hand you’ve held so tightly through toddlerhood and trusting your child is ready to take that next step isn’t always easy.

That’s where a strong kindergarten program makes all the difference. At Mount Peter Early Learning, our kindergarten curriculum is designed to support not just children, but families too, ensuring everyone feels confident about the next chapter.

What Does ‘School Readiness’ Really Mean?

School readiness goes beyond being able to write their name or count to ten. It’s about helping children develop the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills they’ll need to thrive in a primary school environment.

At Mount Peter, our Kindergarten program supports children to:

• Communicate their needs and feelings
• Understand and follow instructions
• Build friendships and work with others
• Develop independence in daily routines
• Strengthen fine motor skills for writing and tasks like opening lunch containers

We focus on the whole child, not just what they know, but how they feel.

Is My Child Ready to Start School?

In Queensland, children can start Prep if they turn five by 30 June in the year they begin. But just because they’re old enough doesn’t always mean they’re ready. Some families choose to delay the start until their child is 5, turning 6, especially if they need more time to develop emotionally or socially.

It’s a deeply personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. At Mount Peter Early Learning, we’re here to support you with honest conversations and professional guidance, so you can make the choice that’s right for your child and family.

What Skills Will Help My Child Transition to School?

Starting school isn’t just about age; it’s about making sure your child feels ready in every way. At Mount Peter, we focus on building the skills that help this big transition feel smooth, confident, and positive:

• Emotional confidence – recognising feelings, building resilience, and managing separation from parents
• Independence – dressing themselves, opening lunchboxes, and following routines
• Social awareness – playing cooperatively, taking turns, and making friends
• Communication – expressing needs, listening to others, and asking for help when needed

Every child develops in their own time. We support families to build these skills in a natural, playful way, helping to create a smooth kindergarten transition and a confident start to big school.

Building Emotional Confidence

For many children, one of the biggest challenges when starting school is managing their emotions in a new environment. That’s why emotional confidence is a core part of our program. We create safe spaces where children can talk about their feelings, learn to self-regulate, and build resilience in moments of change or frustration.

We also know this transition affects parents. Letting go isn’t easy. Our team is here to walk alongside you, offering regular updates and reassurance so you feel confident that your child is growing in the right direction.

Supporting Independence and Self-Help Skills

From using the bathroom without help to managing their belongings and choosing activities, independence plays a key role in school readiness. Throughout our Kindergarten year, we encourage small steps that build towards big leaps. Children learn to:

• Take responsibility for their bags and belongings
• Tidy up after themselves
• Choose activities and move between them with confidence
• Express their needs clearly to educators and peers

These daily moments of independence build your child’s sense of confidence and ability to adapt to new routines in primary school.

Strengthening Early Literacy and Numeracy

While school readiness isn’t about academic testing, early exposure to literacy and numeracy creates strong foundations. At Mount Peter, our approach is play-based and led by the children’s interests. Through storytelling, songs, puzzles, games, and sensory activities, your child will:

• Develop an awareness of letters, sounds, and numbers
• Build pre-writing and fine motor skills
• Learn through real-world experiences (e.g., counting during cooking or reading signs during outdoor play)

This approach keeps learning fun and engaging while preparing them for more structured classroom learning ahead.

Social Skills That Support a Smooth Transition

Kindergarten is a time when friendships deepen, and social learning becomes front and centre. We guide children as they learn to:

• Take turns and share
• Resolve small conflicts
• Use kind words and body language
• Be part of a group setting

These social skills make the transition to a larger classroom environment less daunting and help your child feel like they belong from day one.

The Role of Educators in School Readiness

Our Kindergarten program is led by qualified Early Childhood Teachers who understand the milestones and challenges of this age. They work closely with families to track development and provide guidance, tailoring learning experiences to each child.

We also focus on communication between home and centre, so you always feel informed and part of your child’s journey.

Helping You and Your Child Feel Ready

We know that no two children or families are the same. That’s why we take an individualised approach to school readiness. Whether your child is eager to start or feeling a little unsure, our team supports them (and you) through every stage of the process.

By the time graduation rolls around, it’s not just about the cap and gown; it’s about watching your child take their next big step with confidence, pure excitement, and a strong sense of who they are in this world.

Learn More About Our Kindergarten Program

Looking for a supportive, play-based Kindergarten program in Cairns? Visit our Kindergarten page to find out how Mount Peter Early Learning helps prepare your child for primary school—and beyond.