Malinda Rutter (presenter)

Starting school is the most exciting time for any little person and it's a time when they start to reach their full potential in life. Kids love going to school, it's the parents - they're the ones with the tears in their eyes!

So how do you enrol your child at school?

Sharon Steinn (pre-school teacher)

OK you just find out which school you're in area with which is usually your local public school. All department schools have the same enrolment forms so you just fill one out and if you've been accepted they notify you by letter.

Malinda

Now there's a book available also from school called 'Starting School' and it is fantastic. The most important thing you need to remember is to enrol your child early in the year before.

Voice over

When enrolling your child, ensure you bring all necessary documents: birth certificate, immunisation forms and anything containing your current address.

Malinda

How do you let your children know what to expect? Well, it's much easier now. The Education Department has transition and orientation days.

Sharon

We have transition days where the children come up and we call it the Kids into Kindy Program and the kids get to meet the teacher they're going to have next year and they get to be familiarised with their buddies and we have morning tea up here and they have a good time.

Malinda

If you have missed a transition or orientation day, don't panic. Just contact the school, they'll be happy to take you and your child through the school and give you any information you might need.

And what's it like being a buddy?

Older boy

It's fun because you get to take care of the little kids. I play with Jake all the time - he's especially good at his alphabet.

Malinda

So is this your buddy, what's his name?

Kindy girl

Corey

Malinda

And what do you think of Corey as your buddy?

Kindy girl

(shrugs)

Malinda

What do you enjoy most about it?

Older girl

I like playing with them.

Malinda

What do you think of big school?

Kindy girl

(shrugs)

Older girl

Making sure they don't be naughty and stuff...

Malinda

Do you know what to expect?

Kindy girl

(shrugs)

Malinda

Can you talk in a loud voice and make sure your voice goes into there?

Kindy girl 2

Yes (bites microphone)

Sharon

The biggest thing which I speak to the parents about is the playground. They're all scared of their little kindergarten children running around the playground. But now that the kids are so excited, it's helping the parents overcome their fears and anxieties, because it's like "we love big school - it's OK mum!"

Malinda

Being prepared for school starts at home and helps kids feel more confident. So I suggest get them to help you label everything, because let's face it, they're just beginning to look after their belongings and things are going to go astray. So sit down with your child and label their lunchboxes, hats, schoolbags - everything!

Voice over

Eating at school is a different experience for your child compared to eating at home or preschool. Children often sit on the grass or benches and balance the food on their knees. Just make sure your child can easily open their lunchbox and the packaging the food is wrapped in.

Don't forget, many schools run canteens where your child can purchase healthy food.

Malinda

Bit stuck for lunch ideas? Well join the club. Solved it! Go to www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au and they have lots and lots of ideas there for you.

Voice over

Sun safety is important and at school we try to protect the kid's from the sun's damaging effects. So make sure you help them put on sunscreen and their hat.

Malinda

All kids get sick. Now make sure your school has your current contact numbers so they can contact you in case of an emergency and get the necessary medical help.

What if you've got a child who has asthma or allergies or another medical condition?

Sharon

All schools have an asthma plan that you have to take from the school to your local GP so the school is aware what action they need to take.

Malinda

Don't forget we have a fantastic downloadable PDF - which is a checklist for you and the kids - to make sure you have everything ready and right for school.