School Readiness
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
What is school readiness?
School readiness is about so much more than knowing the alphabet or being able to count to ten. It's about whether a child has the communication, language, social, and self-regulation skills they need to learn, connect with others, and participate comfortably in the school environment.
Communication sits at the heart of school readiness. Children who are starting school need to be able to follow instructions, express their needs and ideas, engage in conversations with teachers and peers, and begin developing early literacy and numeracy skills.
If your child is approaching school age and you have any concerns about their language, communication, or social development, it's well worth speaking with a speech pathologist before they start — early support can make the transition to school so much smoother.
What communication skills do children need for school?
- Be understood by unfamiliar adults most of the time
- Follow 2–3 step instructions
- Use sentences of 4–6 words or more to express themselves
- Answer simple questions about themselves and their experiences
- Understand and use basic concepts like colours, shapes, numbers, and positional words
- Engage in back-and-forth conversation with adults and peers
- Recognise some letters and sounds (particularly the letters in their own name)
- Listen and attend to a short story or instruction in a group
Of course, every child develops at their own pace, and there's a wide range of what's typical. If you're unsure whether your child is on track, a speech pathology screening or assessment can give you a clear picture.
What can affect school readiness?
- Speech sound difficulties that make it hard for others to understand them
- Language delays affecting vocabulary, grammar, or comprehension
- Social communication differences that make peer interaction challenging
- Limited phonological awareness — the sound skills that underpin early reading
- Attention and self-regulation challenges
- Sensory processing differences that affect comfort and focus in busy classroom settings
Many of these areas can be supported with the right input before school starts — or in the early years of school, when children are most responsive to intervention.
How can speech therapy help?
- Assessing your child's speech, language, and communication skills
- Targeted therapy to build vocabulary, grammar, listening, and early literacy foundations
- Social communication support to help children navigate the classroom and playground
- Phonological awareness activities to prepare children for reading and spelling
- Strategies and resources for families to support language development at home
- A School Readiness Group Program — a fun, structured group that helps children practise the skills they'll need on day one
- Reports and recommendations for teachers and support staff
Most young children love coming to speech pathology, sessions are play-based, fun, and child-led. We work hard to make sure children feel comfortable and confident, not singled out.
Intelligence and communication development are separate things. A bright, curious child can still benefit from speech pathology support if their language, speech clarity, or social communication skills aren't quite where they need to be for the school environment.
"They'll be embarrassed if they have to go to therapy."
FACT
FACT
Myth
"They're smart, so they don't need extra help."
Myth
School is a fantastic environment for learning and growth, but it can also be overwhelming for children who are not yet communicating confidently. Getting ahead of any concerns before school starts (or in the first year) gives children the best possible foundation.
FACT
"They'll be fine once they get there, school will sort it out."
Myth
Myths and facts about
school readiness
Ideally, 6–12 months before your child is due to start school — so there's time to put any support in place. But if your child is already in their first year of school and you have concerns, it's absolutely not too late to seek a speech pathology assessment.
When should I book a school readiness assessment?
Preschool educators know your child well, and their observations are valuable. That said, a speech pathology assessment provides a more detailed picture of communication skills across different areas. If you have a gut feeling that something isn't quite right, it's always worth following up — you know your child best.
Does Spectrum Therapy Australia offer a school readiness program?
My child's preschool says they're fine, should I still get them assessed?
Yes! Our School Readiness Group Program is a small-group program for children in the year before school. It covers communication, social skills, early literacy foundations, and classroom routines — all delivered in a fun, play-based way. Contact us to find out about upcoming program dates.
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