Jana
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Hi Tim,
I would recommend broaching this carefully. Start by discussing who people that we know; relatives, siblings, friends etc. Generally, these are the people who care about us and keep us safe. There’s been a trend against using the ‘stranger danger’ phrase, as it paints the picture that everyone we don’t know might be dangerous (and unfortunately, the assumption that people we know won’t abduct children- not that this needs to be mentioned). Obviously, there are “strangers” who can help us; police, (generally) customer service people and (hopefully) other parents with children.
So, instead of introducing the idea of being scared of anyone they don’t know, introduce the idea of permission:
– You need to get Mum’s or Dad’s (or, whoever is in charge) permission to go ANYWHERE with ANYONE.
– If you do find yourself needing help; approach someone who we all know looks after people e.g. a uniformed police officer, someone working inside a store, a teacher, or a parent who has children with them.Also, discussing certain scenarios (or, even role-playing) might help them remember what to do if they do get approached by someone, or if they get separated from their caregiver. The more you talk about this (and avoid scary terms like “bad people” or “dangerous people”), the more versed they will in dealing with these situations.
It is different for each state but you can start between 4 and 6 but must have started before the end of 6.
Cut off dates for children starting school in Australia
New South Wales (NSW)
The first year of school in NSW is called Kindergarten – or more colloquially, ‘Kindy’.NSW kids are allowed to start school on the first day of first term as long as they turn 5 by July 31 that year.
All NSW children must be enrolled in a primary school in the year they turn 6.
Victoria
The first year of school in Victoria is called Prep – which is short for ‘preparatory year’.Victorian children are allowed to start school on the first day of first term as long as they turn 5 by April 30 that year.
If you live in Victoria, your child must be enrolled in a school in the year they turn 6, which is the compulsory school-starting age.
Queensland
The first year of formal schooling in Queensland is called Prep.To enroll in Prep, Queensland children must turn 5 by the 30th of June in the year they are enrolled.
In Queensland, it is not compulsory for your child to attend the Prep year as soon as they are old enough.
You can delay your child’s entry by one year if you feel your son or daughter is not ready.
If you do decide to delay your child’s start until the year they turn 6, your son or daughter will still go into a Prep class in their first year of school.
Western Australia (WA)
In WA, the first year of compulsory schooling is called Pre-primary.To enroll in Pre-primary, your child must turn five by June 30 that year.
In WA, your child can also be enrolled part-time in a preliminary year called ‘Kindergarten’, which is available, but not compulsory, for four year olds.
To be eligible to enroll in a Kindergarten class, WA kids must turn four before 30 June that year.
South Australia
The first year of schooling in South Australia is called Reception.South Australian children can enroll at school from first term as long as they turn five by April 30 that year.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, the first year of formal schooling is called Prep.To enroll in a Prep class, children must have already turned five by January 1 of the school year.
In Tasmania, a preliminary program called Kindergarten is also available for four year olds in the year before formal schooling begins.
A minimum age of 4 years 0 months on or by 1 January in the year of admission applies to all children wishing to enroll in a Kindergarten class.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In the ACT, the first year of schooling is called Kindergarten.Your child can start Kindergarten if they turn five by April 30 that year.
Northern Territory (NT)
In the Northern Territory, the first year of formal school is called Transition.As long as your child turns five by June 30 of that year, he or she may be enrolled in a Transition class.
SCHOOL READINESS SUPPORT IN AUSTRALIA:
http://readysteadygroup.com/school-readiness-program/
