As our 2025 preschool graduates begin their school journey, we warmly welcome a new group of preschoolers into our learning spaces. One question we hear often from families is:

“Is my child ready for school?”

It’s an important question - and one that goes beyond academics. At The Grove Academy, we see school readiness as supporting the whole child - emotionally, socially, physically, and cognitively - so they feel confident, capable and excited for the next chapter.

What School Readiness Really Means

School readiness isn’t about sitting perfectly still, writing neatly, or reading before Kindergarten. It’s about whether a child feels secure, confident and able to engage with a new learning environment, including:

• Feeling confident to try new things

• Being able to communicate needs and feelings

• Building friendships and taking turns

• Managing emotions and bouncing back from challenges

• Gaining independence in everyday routines

These skills help children not just in the classroom, but in life as they continue to learn and grow.

Why a Holistic Approach Matters

Every child develops at their own pace, and school readiness looks different for everyone. When we focus only on academics, we can overlook the foundations that truly help children thrive. This includes a sense of belonging, emotional wellbeing and confidence as a learner.

A holistic approach recognises that:

• Feeling safe and supported helps children learn

• Social confidence helps children feel included

• Physical development supports focus and energy

• Language grows best through meaningful relationships and experiences

When children feel understood and supported, learning flows naturally.

How We Support School Readiness

We embed school readiness into daily routines and play, helping children develop independence, resilience, communication skills and a positive sense of self, which is everything they need for a smooth start to Primary School.

At The Grove Academy, we aim to set children up for success by offering:

• Reading eggs program – a fun and engaging English program to build reading, phonics, and literature skills.

• Communication, language & early literacy – supporting children to express themselves confidently.

• Fundamental movement skills & body awareness – developing coordination, focus, healthy habits, and understanding of personal boundaries.

• Social & emotional development – nurturing resilience, empathy, teamwork, and positive separation transitions.

• Science & numeracy – encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and exploration of cause and effect.

• Creative arts – inspiring imagination and self-expression.

• Lunch box week – fostering healthy eating choices and self-help skills, like opening packaged items.

• Transition to school night – hosted by your child’s local primary school teachers to give families a clear understanding of what the move to big school looks like.

We complete a School Readiness Checklist twice a year and provide a Transition to School Statement at the end of the year, so families can see their child’s progress and feel confident about the next step.

Through our parent portal and classroom Curriculum & School Readiness Timeline, families can follow along with the skills and experiences their child is building each day. With guidance, encouragement, and a love of learning, we help every child step into school feeling ready, confident, and excited to thrive.

The most important thing to remember - every child's journey is unique!

There is no single checklist that determines school readiness. What matters most is that children feel:

• Confident in who they are

• Comfortable in group environments

• Curious about learning

• Supported by trusted adults

By focusing on the whole child, we help ensure children don’t just start school - they thrive.