Young students at Covenant Christian School, Belrose

Kindergarten at Covenant

School Readiness Checklist NSW

Readiness is about the whole child — confidence, independence, communication. This checklist helps you notice how your child is growing.

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Answer 33 quick questions and we'll create a personalised school readiness checklist you can print or save — no score, no pass or fail.

ABOUT FIVE MINUTES · ELEVEN EVERYDAY AREAS · THREE QUESTIONS EACH

The checklist

Eleven everyday areas of readiness

Section 01

Communication and Language

Communication helps children participate in classroom routines, ask for help, and build relationships.

  • Uses words to explain what they need
  • Asks for help from an adult
  • Follows simple one-step and two-step instructions

Practical tips

  • Read together every day, even for a few minutes.
  • Ask your child simple questions about stories, outings, or meals.
  • Practise two-step instructions, such as put your shoes by the door and bring your hat.
  • Encourage your child to ask for help using words.

Section 02

Social Skills and Friendships

Social confidence helps children settle into group learning, play, and classroom routines.

  • Plays alongside or with other children
  • Takes turns during simple games
  • Joins group activities

Practical tips

  • Arrange play opportunities with other children.
  • Play turn-taking games at home.
  • Practise simple phrases like “Can I have a turn?” or “Can I play too?”
  • Praise moments where your child shows kindness, patience, or cooperation.

Section 03

Emotional Readiness

Emotional readiness supports separation, resilience, and confidence during the school day.

  • Separates from a parent or carer with increasing confidence
  • Recovers after small disappointments
  • Names simple feelings, such as happy, sad, worried, or angry

Practical tips

  • Talk about feelings in everyday moments.
  • Use simple language such as “You felt disappointed because the game ended.”
  • Practise short separations in familiar places.
  • Encourage effort rather than only praising success.
  • Build predictable routines around meals, bedtime, and getting ready.

Section 04

Independence and Self-Care

Independence helps children feel capable as they manage belongings, food, clothing, and personal routines.

  • Manages their own lunchbox and drink bottle
  • Puts on and takes off shoes and socks
  • Recognises and looks after their own belongings

Practical tips

  • Let your child practise opening lunch containers before school starts.
  • Encourage them to carry and unpack their own bag.
  • Practise putting on school shoes, socks, and jumpers.
  • Create a simple morning routine with pictures or steps.

Section 05

Toileting Independence

Most schools expect children starting Kindergarten to manage toileting with independence. Occasional accidents can still happen, especially in the early weeks, as children adjust to new routines and unfamiliar bathrooms.

  • Asks to go to the toilet when needed
  • Manages their clothing independently
  • Washes and dries their hands afterwards

Practical tips

  • Practise using toilets in different familiar places.
  • Choose school clothing your child can manage independently.
  • Build a consistent toilet routine before leaving home, before outings, and before rest times.
  • Teach your child simple words to use if they need help.
  • Speak with the school early if your child has medical, developmental, or continence needs.

Section 06

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills help children with drawing, cutting, opening containers, turning pages, and beginning to write.

  • Holds a pencil or crayon with developing control
  • Attempts to write or recognise their name
  • Uses scissors safely with support

Practical tips

  • Play with playdough, blocks, puzzles, and threading activities.
  • Draw, colour, paint, and trace together.
  • Practise cutting simple lines with child-safe scissors.
  • Encourage activities that use fingers and hands, such as stickers, pegs, or craft.

Section 07

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills help children move confidently around the playground, sit well on the floor, carry a bag, and join in games.

  • Runs, jumps, climbs, and balances
  • Sits on the floor during group time
  • Carries their own school bag

Practical tips

  • Visit playgrounds regularly.
  • Play catching, kicking, chasing, and balancing games.
  • Encourage climbing, jumping, hopping, and dancing.
  • Give your child chances to carry their own bag or small items.

Section 08

Early Learning Habits

Children do not need to arrive at Kindergarten already reading or writing, but early learning habits can help them feel more confident.

  • Shows interest in books and stories
  • Recognises their own name
  • Sits and focuses on a short activity

Practical tips

  • Read aloud daily.
  • Count objects in everyday routines, such as fruit, toys, or steps.
  • Point out letters and numbers in signs, books, and packaging.
  • Sing songs and nursery rhymes.
  • Let your child practise finishing short tasks before moving on.

Section 09

Classroom Routines

Familiar routines help children settle into the rhythm of school life.

  • Packs away toys or materials
  • Waits briefly for a turn
  • Eats from a lunchbox during a set mealtime

Practical tips

  • Practise a simple school morning routine before the term begins.
  • Use lunchboxes at home before the first day.
  • Visit the school if possible.
  • Talk positively and realistically about what a school day may feel like.
  • Practise saying goodbye calmly and confidently.

Section 10

Responsibility

Responsible behaviour helps children follow instructions, adapt when plans change, and settle into group life at school.

  • Follows teacher instructions
  • Demonstrates resilience and flexibility when plans change
  • Follows group routines

Practical tips

  • Play Simon Says to practise following directions.
  • Give reminders before activities end, such as “two minutes until we pack up”.
  • Start a regular morning routine your child helps follow.

Section 11

Problem Solving and Initiative

Problem solving and initiative help children persevere with tricky tasks, help others, and keep going when things are hard.

  • Attempts to solve problems without frustration
  • Offers help to peers and others
  • Perseveres in given tasks

Practical tips

  • Complete puzzles, games and building projects at different levels of challenge — hands-on, not screens.
  • Point out when a sibling or carer needs some help and invite your child to join in.
  • Use encouraging language such as “Keep going”, “You are almost there”, and “You are trying really hard — well done”.

Readiness snapshot

Start the checklist to see your snapshot

As you make selections above, a warm, plain-language snapshot of your child's strengths and areas to keep practising will appear here. There is no score — this is simply a conversation starter.

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Book a tour and ask about your child's readiness

Next steps for enrolment

  1. 1Join a school tour and ask your questions in person.
  2. 2Submit an enrolment application for your child's start year.
  3. 3Meet with us for a family interview.
  4. 4Talk with us early if you'd like advice on timing or readiness.

Good to know

NSW Kindergarten age guidelines

In NSW, a child may start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn five on or before 31 July that year, and schooling is compulsory from a child's sixth birthday. At Covenant, children entering Kindergarten are generally expected to be five on or before 31 May in the year of entry, depending on readiness.

Readiness may be considered alongside age. If you're unsure, families are encouraged to ask early — you're welcome to speak with the school.

Considering Kindergarten or Prep at Covenant?

You're welcome to visit, ask questions, and take your time. Families are encouraged to ask early.

Book a TourLearn About PrepView Enrolment InformationTry the Kindergarten Start Year Calculator

All knowledge through Christ

Come and see what a Covenant Kindergarten year could look like for your child.

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