Ready for big school
Starting kindergarten is a big step. Children who arrive confident, independent and used to a classroom routine settle faster and enjoy school more.
Our school readiness program runs in the Butterfly group, for children aged 4 to 6 in the year before school. The Butterflies are taught by Miss Laila, and the program is guided by Miss Olga, our Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Leader. It follows the Early Years Learning Framework.
Butterfly children attend at least 3 days a week. That regular rhythm is what makes the learning stick.
What your child will learn
Early reading and writing
Recognising and writing their own name, hearing the sounds in words, enjoying stories and holding a pencil with control.
Early maths
Counting, recognising numbers, sorting, patterns, shapes and measuring, all through hands-on play.
Independence
Opening their own lunchbox, looking after their bag and belongings, using the bathroom on their own and packing up after themselves.
Listening and focus
Sitting with a group, following two and three step instructions, taking turns to speak and finishing a task.
Friendship and feelings
Sharing, joining in play, solving small problems with words and coping when things do not go their way.
Curiosity
Art, music, science and outdoor play that build a love of learning, which matters more than any worksheet.
Why it works here
A small group. With only 28 children a day, our educators notice what each child can do and what they need next.
A day shaped like school. Our 8:30am to 4:30pm day, packed lunchboxes and group times give children a gentle practice run for kindergarten.
Extra insight. Our Director, Janelle, is a qualified Early Childhood Teacher who also spent nine years as a Rehabilitation Counsellor. That background helps us support children who need a little more help with confidence, speech or behaviour before school.
Nearly 30 years of practice. We have been sending children to local primary schools since 1996.
Is my child ready for school?
In NSW, children can start kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year. All children must be in school by their 6th birthday.
If your child has a birthday between January and July, you have a choice about which year they start. Many families use an extra year in our Butterfly group to build confidence first. We are happy to talk this through with you, and we welcome children up to age 6.
School readiness is also the year your child gets the most Start Strong funding. See what you would pay.
From the Happy Parents
“Each of you are tremendously caring and compassionate and our girls always feel safe and reassured by your kindness. Sophie’s Cottage is a very special place because of you all.”
Eric and Warwick
“You are Stellar in so many ways. Thank you for your creativity, your effort and most of all for caring. We are blessed to have become part of your community.”
Sylvia and Matt
“It’s a super special place and we’re so glad she has the best time making new friends and memories. We’ve seen a huge growth in her this year.”
Aly and Adrian