AS families begin preparing for the 2027 school year, many parents will be ticking off school supplies, organising uniforms and making plans for the first day of school.
For children starting prep for the first time, the transition can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Parents often have questions about whether their child is ready for school and what they can do to help make the move from kindergarten to the classroom as smooth as possible.
To support local families through this important milestone, Omnia Community Health is offering Ready Set School, a free four-week program designed to help children build the skills and confidence they need to start school successfully.
Delivered by a speech pathologist and occupational therapist, the program combines fun, engaging activities with practical strategies to support children’s learning and development. Parents attend alongside their child and can choose to participate in as many sessions as they wish.
The program focuses on key school readiness skills, including listening and following directions, early speech and language development, early literacy skills, independence and social skills.
The group run by Omnia Community Health will be facilitated by a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist and parents can attend as many sessions as they want.
Rangi Rodrigo, one of the child and youth health team leaders at Omnia, said that starting school is a significant change for children and their families.
“The transition to school looks different for every child. Some children can’t wait for their first day, while others may feel anxious about the changes ahead,” Rangi said.
“Ready Set School gives children an opportunity to practise important skills, meet other children who are about to start school and become more familiar with what will be expected of them in the classroom. It also provides parents with practical tips and advice they can use at home.”
The Ready Set School program will be held at Our Place Seymour on Fridays from November 20 to December 18 from 2pm to 3pm. To register your place email childandyouthhealth@omniach.org.au
