Prep is the first compulsory year of school and provides the foundation for your child’s education. The programme is for children who turn five by June 30 in the year they start school. Prep is offered in all Diocesan primary schools to families seeking to commence their child’s schooling in the Catholic tradition. It is a full-time program held in primary schools. Children attend Monday-Friday for the full school day.
The Preparatory Year is designed to strengthen links between the Preparatory Year and Year 1, promoting continuity of children’s progress throughout the early years. International research shows the benefits of children taking part in full-time quality programmes before they start Year 1.
| Child’s Birth Date | Eligible for Prep Year in |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 | 2024 |
| 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 | 2025 |
| 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 | 2026 |
An amendment to the Education Act has allowed for the possibility of early entry for some students who will turn five by July 31st in the year they are in Prep, however that entry is conditional on the principal also being satisfied that they are ready for schooling in terms of:
- aptitude and ability; and
- social and emotional competence; and
- physical development; and
- level of knowledge and understanding
This is not a change for all children born in July and it is certainly not compulsory to send your child to Prep if he or she turns five during July.
Most children commence Prep in the year they become eligible (turning 5 by June 30th), however parents who are concerned their child is not ready to start Prep at that time can choose to start their child a year later – the year they become of compulsory school age (6 years and 6 months).
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s readiness for Prep, speak with your child’s Kindergarten teacher or school principal.
