1. How can children enrol in the Preparatory Year?
Parents intending to enrol their child in Prep may apply to enrol their child at any school they believe would best suit their child's needs. However, to ensure that a school can ensure service to the local community, some schools may have an Enrolment Management Plan which means that children may not be able to enrol unless they live in the designated catchment area.
Enrolments in Catholic or independent schools are usually taken by application up to two years before commencement. Prep enrolment in a Catholic or independent school is subject to application procedures. Parents intending to enrol their child in a Catholic or independent school for Prep should inquire at the school.
The Department of Education, Training and Employment website includes a directory of all state, Catholic and independent schools in Queensland.
2. Do children have to attend their Preparatory Year full time?
Prep is a full-time program that runs five days per week, usually from 9am to 3pm each day. Children are expected to attend full-time to get the most from Prep.
3. Can children attend Prep on a part-time basis?
The Prep Year is designed to provide children with a solid base for the early years of education to assist them in their transition to Year 1. Children will gain maximum benefit by attending full-time.
Prep can be a big change for children. It is not unusual for them to be tired or not want to go to school in the morning. However, as Prep is the first year of school in Queensland under the Australian Curriculum, children cannot afford to miss out on school unless they are unwell or there is another good reason.
Part-time attendance has the potential to significantly limit continuity of learning, and may also interfere with the development of positive social interactions, friendships, independence and confidence in the school environment.
If a child is having problems with Prep or needs some additional support, parents should contact the Principal of the school where they intend to enrol their child.
4. Do Preparatory students have to wear a uniform?
Uniforms and dress code are developed through existing schooling practices in consultation with the school community. Uniforms should be discussed with the school at the time of enrolment.
5. Are children in the Preparatory class able to have rest time?
There is no requirement for Prep children to have a formal rest period. Teachers plan programs that respond to the needs of their children and this may involve periods of quiet activity sometime during the day.
6. Can children in the Preparatory Year go to school-aged care?
Preparatory children are eligible for school-aged care providing they are attending school. Parents should contact their local school or outside-school-hours care provider to discuss places and access to this service. The Department of Communities Child Care Information Service can provide advice on the location of licensed outside-school-hours care providers (see below for contact details).
This page was last reviewed on 07 Mar 2013 at 05:56PM
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Access keys |
Other languages
© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and Employment) 2005-2012.
