Intro to KINDY

While students across NSW count down to the Christmas holidays, more than 60,000 four- and five-year-olds are gearing up to start Kindergarten at the state’s public schools.

At Windsor South Public School NSW, children are enjoying weekly Southie Sprouts transition to school sessions, which allow them to become familiar with the school environment, meet their Kindergarten teachers and make new friends.

Principal Belinda Bristol said the transition to school is an exciting time for children, families and teachers and involves navigating and adjusting to several changes.

“Through this program the kids come in ready for learning,” Mrs Bristol said.

“Four or five years ago when we didn’t run this program the children were coming in and we were spending all of term one just teaching them how to sit, how to hold a pencil, how to write, how to look, how to listen.

Because of Sprouts they now come in ready for learning, so from day one they’re learning. By this time of year, the end of Kindergarten NSW, they’re reading, writing, ready for year one. We’re not spending kindergarten as a preschool year.”

Mrs Bristol said of the record 60 children enrolled for Kindergarten next year, about 45 are participating in the three-hour Southie Sprouts sessions on Wednesdays this term.

The assistant principal, early intervention teacher and four learning support officers run the sessions, which involve the children enjoying activities and games that challenge and develop their fine and gross motor skills, which are essential for school readiness.

The children have morning tea and lunch and across term four have met their Kindergarten teachers, spent time in the Kindergarten classrooms and main playground and visited the library and the canteen.

“They are so excited to come, they wake up every day and say ‘Is it Sprouts day?” she said.

“We have little Southie Sprouts t-shirts, but they love coming in their uniforms getting ready for school. There are no tears, they’re making riends, they’re making their social connections and developing a sense of belonging.”

Mrs Bristol said as well as the children becoming more confident and comfortable at the school, the sessions are a way for teachers to understand children’s interests, strengths and needs.

“We’ve seen such a difference in the children and can identify early any children with any specific learning support needs, allowing us to provide targeted interventions and resources to support their development effectively.”

The number of children participating in Southie Sprouts this term is up from 35 last term and follows a weekly playgroup in term two.

The playgroup involved parents accompanying their children to the school but attending parent information sessions in the school hall, which covered subjects including behaviour management and how the school teaches children to read and early phonics skills.

School readiness: what should my child be able to do? Source: NSW Department of Education

• Recognise their belongings
• Open and close lunchboxes including packets
• Know how to ask for help when needed
• Be able to separate from parent or carer
• Interact socially with other children
• Put on their uniform
• Know hygiene routines