Frequently asked questions

The Kindergarten Program is for all children in the year prior to Prep (that is, for children who turn four years of age by June 30 in the year they participate). Like Prep, the Kindergarten Program is not compulsory and is inclusive in supporting children with special needs.

For further information about the Kindergarten Program visit the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care website.

A non-compulsory, full-time Preparatory Year of education is offered in state schools prior to Year 1. The Preparatory Year helps children develop the skills and knowledge to better prepare them for future learning. For further information go to the Student Services website.

State schools provide free instruction, administration and facilities. However, principals in conjunction with the school's Parents and Citizens' Association are able to charge fees or ask for voluntary contributions from parents or caregivers to provide extra resources such as art materials or sporting equipment. The amount varies from school to school. In most schools, parents are responsible for providing such items as stationery and uniforms. Parents also bear the costs of school excursions, camps and extracurricular activities.

I move within Queensland?

I move from interstate?

My child is from overseas?

No - there are some differences, so if a student is transferring from interstate, the new school should be contacted directly.

Most state schools hold classes from 9am to 3pm, or in some secondary schools, 9.30am to 3.30pm. See the hours of operation.

Search for schools in your local area via the Schools Directory. Find more information on the school catchment maps and enrolment management plans website.

Children usually attend the state school closest to where they live; however, parents can send their children to the state school of their choice, depending on available places. Some schools have an enrolment management plan that means students may not be able to attend unless they live within the designated catchment zone.

Specific holiday dates may vary depending on the year level of the student (e.g. Year 10 or 12) and your locality in the state. Check with your local school for holiday dates and student-free days when teachers undertake professional development. Holiday and term dates are also listed on the departmental website.

Many Queensland state schools offer after hours or vacation care for students. Parents and Citizens' Associations offer some of these services while others are provided by approved private organisations. Contact your school principal to ask about out-of-hours care at your local school.

School communities, through their P&Cs, can decide on a student dress code which reflects the needs and circumstances of that school community. Please talk to your school for further information.

The Department of Education and Training provides assistance to parents of secondary school age students through the Textbook and Resource Allowance.

The Queensland Government funds the School Transport Assistance Scheme to help eligible students travel to and from school. Many schools have school uniform shops and sell second-hand clothing. Contact your school Parents and Citizens' Association for further information. Families in genuine financial difficulties are asked to contact the school principal for assistance and advice with uniform provision.

Details about Education Queensland's eight Learning and Development Centres (Gifted and Talented) and resources related to gifted education are available on the Gifted and Talented Professional Learning Communit website.

See Students with disabilities. For information about financial support, see State education and financial assistance. Information is also available on the departmental website.

State schools assist students with learning difficulties to develop competency in literacy, numeracy and learning skills. The needs of students with learning difficulties are identified in primary school through the Appraisement Process. The Support Teacher: Learning Difficulties can assist the class teacher to build support into the class environment and into their units of work.

There is a wide variety of specialised subjects offered in state schools. Specific information about what schools offer can be found in the Schools Directory. Also see Enriched education.

See Making a complaint.

Bullying is a concern that all schools take very seriously and work to address. If you suspect your child is being bullied you should make an appointment with the teacher or principal at the school to discuss your concerns. The department has produced 'Working Together: A toolkit for parents to address bullying' which is supported by a series of short videos called 'Quick tips for teachers and students about bullying' , presented by leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. The toolkit and videos give parents information on how to identify various types of bullying, including cyber bullying, methods of dealing with bullying, and how to work with schools to keep their child safe. You may also like to explore the Bullying. No Way! website .

The Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian is responsible for issuing Blue Cards to people working with children to help protect the interests and wellbeing of children and young people in Queensland. More information about Blue Cards can be found on the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian website .

Volunteers are always welcome as it helps foster a partnership between school, home and the community. Volunteers at schools need to hold a Blue Card prior to commencing work; however, if the volunteer is a parent of a child at the school, a Blue Card is not needed. Contact the school principal for further information.

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in the education of their children. There are many avenues of parental involvement, ranging from Parents and Citizens' Associations to volunteer work. See Parent participation.

Schools in consultation with their school community, develop and implement a sun protection plan for students and staff. School plans cover issues such as wearing hats, using shade, scheduling outdoor activities and developing classroom programs on sun safety. See the Education Queensland's Sun Safety Strategy page for more information.

The Queensland Government has extended the Queensland Ready Readers program to provide free reader training for parents and carers of Prep to Year 3 students to support their child's literacy development in the family environment.