SchoolsOUT! Growing School-Ready Skills at Home

As the school year quickly approaches, many families start thinking about school readiness. Often, this brings up questions like:

Can my child write their name?

Do they know their letters and numbers?

Will they keep up academically?

At SchoolsOUT!, we see school readiness a little differently.

What Is School Readiness Really About?

School readiness isn’t about how much a child knows before they start school, it’s about how ready they feel to participate, engage, and belong in a school environment.

Some of the most important readiness skills include:

• Confidence to enter the new/different environment

• Ability to communicate needs and emotions

• Independence with everyday tasks

• Social skills such as turn-taking and problem-solving

• Emotional regulation and resilience

These skills lay the foundation for learning!

How OSHC Supports School Readiness

Out of School Hours Care plays a unique and powerful role in supporting children as they transition into school. In OSHC environments, children experience:

• Flexible routines that mirror school structures

• Opportunities to build friendships across age groups

• Time to practise independence in a low-pressure setting

• Safe spaces to explore emotions, challenges, and successes

  
  

At SchoolsOUT, our program intentionally supports children to feel safe, capable, and confident, whether they are preparing for their first year of school or strengthening skills as they grow.

Everyday Skills That Make a Big Difference

Some simple, everyday experiences that strongly support school readiness include:

• Packing and unpacking bags

• Following group routines

• Asking for help when needed

• Managing belongings

• Playing with others

• Making choices and taking responsibility for them

  
  

These are skills children practice naturally every day in OSHC, through play, conversation, and connection.

Supporting School Readiness at Home

Families can support school readiness in meaningful (and realistic!) ways by:

• Encouraging independence with dressing, eating, and toileting

• Talking positively about school and new experiences

• Allowing children to solve small problems independently

• Reading together and having conversations about the day

• Validating emotions and helping children name how they feel

  
  

Remember: confidence grows when children feel trusted and supported.

Tips & Tricks for Parents: Supporting School Readiness at Home

School readiness doesn’t require expensive resources or structured lessons. Small, consistent moments at home can make a big difference.

1. Build Independence Early: Encourage your child to:

• Put on and take off their shoes

• Open food containers

• Pack away toys

• Carry their own bag

These small tasks build confidence and self-belief.

2. Practice Routines (Without Pressure): Simple routines help children feel secure. Try:

• Morning and afternoon routines

• Packing bags together the night before

• Talking through what the day will look like

Predictability helps reduce anxiety around new environments.

3. Talk About Feelings: Help your child recognise and name emotions by:

• Validating their feelings (“That sounds tricky”)

• Talking about how you manage emotions too

• Exploring strategies like deep breathing or asking for help

Emotionally confident children are better equipped to navigate school challenges.

4. Encourage Social Skills Through Play: Play is one of the best ways children learn. Encourage:

• Turn-taking games

• Cooperative play with siblings or friends

• Role-playing school scenarios

These experiences help children practice communication and problem-solving.

5. Focus on Confidence, Not Perfection: Mistakes are part of learning. Let your child:

• Try first before stepping in

• Experience small challenges safely

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes

Confidence grows when children feel trusted to try.

6. Read, Talk, and Connect Daily: You don’t need formal lessons, just:

• Read together

• Talk about the day

• Ask open-ended questions

Language, listening, and connection are key foundations for learning.

7. Speak Positively About School: Children take cues from adults. Speaking positively about school, teachers, and learning helps children approach new experiences with curiosity rather than fear.

Our Commitment at SchoolsOUT

At SchoolsOUT, we believe every child is already capable. Our role is to support, guide, and nurture their confidence as they grow.

Through inclusive practices, strong relationships, and play-based experiences, we help children develop the skills they need not just to start school, but to thrive within it.

Because school readiness isn’t about being “ahead”, it’s about feeling ready! And we want to be a part of that journey with you and your children.