New beginnings can be daunting, but we help make the transition to school a positive one.
We help children starting school, changing school or entering high school take this big step with confidence and support. Our program is flexible and caters to the specific needs of your child.
Program details
School Readiness aims to make the transition to school easier for both children and parents. Our flexible program provides targeted support for children entering their first year of school, particularly if they have not attended a kindergarten program. We also work with young people transitioning into high school to help them get ready for the different environments, challenges and expectations of secondary education.
Through the School Readiness Program, we help you identify developmental challenges facing your child and link you with the right support for a successful transition. This may include practical self-care skills for younger children, such as opening food wrappers and toileting.
The program is delivered in group and individual sessions, playgroups or targeted programs in schools.
Program benefits
- Improve children’s independence and confidence
- Develop routines that work for your children and family
- Build positive relationships with schools and kindergartens
- Increase your support networks and connection with the community
- Improve school attendance and engagement.
Eligibility
- Families living in the funded areas (locations listed below)
- Families with children up to the age of 12.
Locations
- Somerset
- Lockyer Valley
- Acacia Ridge
- Beaudesert
- Toowoomba and some surrounding regions
- Warwick
- Roma
- Charleville
- Maryborough
- Hervey Bay
- Caboolture
- Gympie.
For support outside of these locations, please contact Parentline: 1300 301 300
Funding Body
Our School Readiness programs are delivered under our Children and Parenting Service, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
What is Anglicare’s purpose?
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We’ve been caring for Queenslanders for over 150 years
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We connect with people at every stage of life and respond with compassion and humility
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Our team is experienced, dedicated and equipped to help
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We advocate to inform positive social change
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Our vision is to create a more loving, just and inclusive society.
Common questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about our School Readiness Program.
Anglicare Southern Queensland’s School Readiness Program helps children to prepare for school with playful learning, routine familiarisation, and confidence building.
Our team can support you to determine whether your child is ready to start Prep in Queensland. Children can be eligible to start Prep if they turn 5 by June 30 of the school year. However, it’s important to assess their readiness in areas like managing self-care, communication, motor-skills and more.
Our School Readiness Program helps parents and their children to develop practical skills for school life; including, improving children’s independence and confidence, developing routines, active listening, and getting ready for different environments.
No, Prep is the first year of primary school in Queensland. Kindergarten is one year before Prep.
In Australia, we assess school readiness by evaluating a child’s language, motor, emotional, and social skills.
No, there are no costs to participate. The Children and Parenting (C&P) programs are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Your participation is voluntary and you can stop attending at any time. We generally work with families for up to six months or until their goals are met. If you wish to stop earlier, please let your case manager know. If you miss three visits, or we can’t contact you after three attempts, we will close your case.
Yes, you are always welcome to re-engage by contacting the team when you are ready.
The availability of groups depends on facilitator availability in your area and the uptake within your community. Please call your family support worker if you are interested in connecting with this program.
Access our services
We’re here for you. Submit this form or call us to access an Anglicare service or program. Our team is available between 9am and 5pm weekdays on 1300 114 397.
If you need to talk to someone urgently, outside of business hours, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are in immediate danger, dial 000.