Starting school is a big step for both children and parents. You might be wondering, “Is my child ready for school?” or “How do I know if my child is prepared for this next chapter?”

At LEAP Centre, we support families across Sydney’s Northern Beaches with therapy services that help children build the essential skills for school success. In this article, we’ll walk you through what school readiness really means – and how to know if your child is on track.

🎒 What Is School Readiness?

School readiness isn’t just about knowing letters or numbers. It’s about whether your child has developed the social, emotional, communication, physical, and cognitive skills they need to learn and thrive in a school environment.

Being “ready” means your child can:

  • Follow instructions
  • Sit and focus for short periods
  • Interact appropriately with peers and teachers
  • Handle basic self-care tasks like toileting and opening their lunchbox
  • Express themselves clearly and understand others

🧠 Key Areas of School Readiness

Here are the core developmental areas we assess when determining school readiness:

1. Self-Regulation & Emotional Readiness
Can your child:

  • Separate from you without distress?
  • Manage frustration or big emotions?
  • Take turns and share?

Emotional regulation helps children cope with transitions, group settings, and problem-solving in the classroom.

2. Social Skills
Is your child able to:

  • Engage in play with other children?
  • Ask for help when needed?
  • Respect personal space and follow social rules?

Positive peer interactions lay the foundation for successful learning experiences.

3. Language & Communication
Does your child:

  • Understand instructions like “pack away your toys” or “line up at the door”?
  • Speak clearly enough to be understood by unfamiliar adults?
  • Ask and answer simple questions?

Strong communication supports literacy, friendships, and classroom participation.

4. Motor Skills
Can your child:

  • Hold a pencil and use scissors?
  • Put on their shoes or manage their lunchbox independently?
  • Sit upright at the table for learning tasks?

Fine and gross motor skills help children complete classroom routines and build confidence.

5. Early Literacy & Numeracy Exposure
Does your child:

  • Recognise their name in print?
  • Show interest in books or counting?
  • Enjoy drawing or attempting letters?

While academic skills are not a requirement, familiarity with these concepts supports a smooth transition to formal learning.

✅ Signs Your Child May Be Ready

  • Shows curiosity about school
  • Enjoys listening to stories
  • Can follow two-step directions
  • Plays cooperatively with others
  • Manages basic tasks independently (e.g. toileting, handwashing)

🚩 Signs Your Child Might Need Support

  • Difficulty separating from caregivers
  • Limited attention span
  • Delayed speech or unclear communication
  • Trouble managing emotions or transitioning between tasks
  • Struggles with fine motor tasks like holding a pencil

These challenges don’t necessarily mean your child isn’t ready – but they may benefit from extra support before starting school.

🧩 How LEAP Centre Can Help

At LEAP Centre, we offer:

  • School Readiness Assessments
  • Therapy groups focused on social, emotional, and fine motor skills
  • 1:1 support from experienced OTs and speech therapists
  • Parent coaching and strategies for home

We’re here to guide you through this important milestone with confidence.

📅 Not Sure if Your Child Is Ready?

Contact our friendly team to book a school readiness consultation or learn more about our School Readiness Program at LEAP Centre in Frenchs Forest.

Let’s work together to give your child the best start to their school journey!