Starting Preschool: Tips for a Smooth Transition

First days can be exciting, nervous, and sometimes a little overwhelming—for both children and parents! This is completely normal. Our goal is to support you and your child to make a smooth, happy transition into preschool life.

Tips for Helping Your Child Settle In

• Be positive. Talk about preschool in a happy, enthusiastic way.

• Familiarise your child with the environment. Come for a visit and meet our staff.

• Be clear about drop-off and pick-up times. Always tell your child when you are leaving and when you will return. Punctuality reassures children and helps them feel safe.

• Leave promptly at drop-off. Give a hug, a kiss, reassure your child you’ll be back, and then go. We will always support your child to settle and will call you if needed.

• Manage your own emotions. It’s normal to feel emotional—try to show confidence and positivity. Children take their cues from you, so a calm, brave face can help them feel secure (and then, in the car, allow yourself to shed a little tear 💞)

What Your Child Will Need:

• Morning Tea: Fruit to share and a healthy snack.

• Lunch: Suitable, healthy lunch for full-day sessions. We are able to reheat leftovers. 

• Water Bottle: Refillable water is available at preschool; bottles will be topped up as needed.

• Spare Clothes: One set to stay in their bag.

• Sun-Safe Hat: Required for outdoor play.

• Library Bag: A waterproof bag to protect books.

• Label Everything: Please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

• School Bag: Big enough to carry all essentials plus creative work.

• Apply Sunscreen: before arriving. 

We encourage healthy eating and independence at meal times. Children are reminded to eat their most nutritious foods first. We have a dedicated “Munch & Move” page on Storypark with ideas and tips for families.

Meal Times:

• Fruit Break: 10:00–10:30am

• Morning Tea: 11:30am–12:00pm

• Lunch: 1:30–2:00pm

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Arrival

Families drop off their children directly with a staff member on collection and departure duty at the front gate. For children using the bus service, a staff member on bus duty, wearing a high-visibility vest, will meet children and ensure their safe arrival.

All children are signed in by staff as part of our Risk Assessment for Arrival and Departure Safety, ensuring every child is accounted for.

Staff will help your child settle into an activity and encourage independence as they unpack their belongings:

• Wash hands on arrival 

• Fruit in the bowl

• Lunch and drink on trolly

• Library book change over 

• Notes or messages to staff

• Bag in locker

NOTE: Please mark your child absent in XAP or directly call staff via phone if they are not in attendance. 

Departure

Children are collected directly from a staff member on collection and departure duty at the gate / front door. Please ring the doorbell.  Staff will sign children out, in line with our Risk Assessment for Arrival and Departure Safety, ensuring safe handover.

For bus children, the staff member on bus duty ensures children board safely.

If you enter the playroom:

• Enter quietly and respectfully

• Close doors and gates behind you

• Hold your child’s hand as you leave for road safety 

 

Car Park Safety
The preschool car park is closed to families. Please park across the road on the vacant block.

 

Authorised Nominees
Staff cannot release a child without written permission from parents/guardians. Make sure all authorised people are listed in your XAP profile. If staff do not know the authorised nominee, photo ID will be required.