Why school readiness matters for a child’s future success.
The first years of a child’s life are the foundation for everything that follows. Research consistently shows that children who start school ready to learn are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. School readiness programs play a critical role in ensuring children develop the skills they need to succeed, from early literacy and numeracy to social interaction, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
School preparation for children is about building confidence, curiosity, and the ability to adapt to new environments. For children who enter the classroom feeling prepared and supported, the transition to formal education is smoother, giving them the best chance at a brighter future.
The challenges faced by children in low-socioeconomic communities
For many families, especially those living in low-socioeconomic (SES) communities, the path to school readiness is full of obstacles. Education gaps in low-SES communities are often shaped by poverty, housing instability, intergenerational trauma, or lack of access to affordable early childhood education.
First Nations children continue to face disproportionate barriers, with systemic inequalities contributing to higher rates of developmental vulnerability and even unnecessary child removal. As highlighted in the Closing the Gap report in parliament, too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are separated from their families due to social and economic disadvantage, rather than genuine safety concerns. Without strong support, these children risk starting school already behind, a disadvantage that can last a lifetime.
These challenges show why school readiness charities are so vital. They help level the playing field so that all children, regardless of their background, can walk through the school gates with confidence.
How Save the Children supports school readiness
Save the Children runs a range of family support programs in Australia designed to help children transition successfully into school. Our flagship early learning program, Play2Learn has been running for more than 30 years. We run more than 200 Play2Learn groups, providing free play-based learning sessions for children aged 0–5 and their parents or carers.
Through Play2Learn, children develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills they need for school. Families also gain guidance from trained facilitators on parenting, child development, and school transition support. Importantly, Play2Learn brings families together in supportive, culturally safe environments, strengthening the connections that help children flourish.
We also offer other services, like Family Connect and Support, that provide wraparound help to prevent crises that can disrupt a child’s education. These family preservation programs not only prevent child removal but also give parents the tools they need to keep their children safe, healthy, and learning.
Promoting community-led and culturally safe approaches
Effective school readiness programs must be more than one-size-fits-all. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, culturally safe, community-led initiatives are essential. Save the Children works alongside First Nations leaders, organisations, and families to ensure children can thrive in their culture while gaining the tools to succeed in the classroom.
Community leadership ensures that programs respect cultural values, language, and traditions, while tackling systemic barriers. For example, Play2Learn facilitators often include local community members who can build trust with families and deliver sessions in ways that resonate with children’s lived experiences.
This collaborative approach is key to closing education gaps in low-SES communities and ensuring every child, regardless of their background, is given the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
Addressing systemic issues that contribute to family separation
While early childhood education is crucial, it cannot be separated from the broader challenges families face. Poverty, family violence, housing stress, and discrimination all contribute to situations where children may fall behind or even be removed from their families.
By embedding child welfare and family support services together, Save the Children addresses the root causes of family stress. Programs like Families First are designed to prevent unnecessary separation by giving parents the right support at the right time. This strengthens families and helps children stay connected to their loved ones, their culture, and their education.
Success stories: When families get the support they need
In communities across Australia, school readiness programs are transforming children’s futures. Families who once felt isolated or overwhelmed are now finding the support they need to help their children thrive.
Parents have reported that Play2Learn sessions helped their children build confidence and communication skills, making the transition to school much easier. Others have shared how the programs gave them access to resources they never knew were available, from speech therapy referrals to connections with other local parents.
In one small Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory, Play2Learn helped transform the health and wellbeing of Jack*, a young boy who was suffering from debilitating health conditions and was on the verge of being removed from his family. With regular support, his health and communication dramatically improved, and his mum gained the knowledge and confidence to meet his needs. As she put it:
“Play2Learn is responsible for Jack being alive today”
When families receive the right help early, children can avoid the negative impacts of developmental delays, disrupted education, and family separation.
What families can do to help children start school strong
Parents and carers play a vital role in preparing children for school. Here are some simple but powerful ways families can provide starting school help at home:
- Read together every day: storytelling builds language and imagination.
- Encourage play: play-based learning supports problem-solving, social skills, and creativity.
- Practice routines: introducing school-like routines such as set bedtimes or packing a bag can ease the transition.
- Talk about school: visit the local school, meet teachers, and discuss what children can expect.
- Seek support: engage with school readiness programs and community services that can provide extra guidance.
With these everyday actions, combined with the support of an early learning charity, Australia’s children can have the best starts in their education.
How your support helps close the school readiness gap
Every child deserves the chance to begin their school journey with confidence and joy. Yet too many children in Australia are held back by disadvantage. By supporting Save the Children’s school readiness programs, you’re helping to prevent child removal, strengthen families, and close education gaps in low-SES communities.
Together, we can ensure all children, no matter where they’re born or what challenges they face, have the chance to thrive in school and beyond.
Please make a donation to help us deliver school transition support, expand family preservation programs, and ensure that children grow up safe, supported, and ready to learn.