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A Preparatory Year for Queensland

 The preparatory year, (Prep)  is a major change that will give every young Queenslander the chance of a head start to formal schooling. It will also result in changes to the compulsory starting age of Year 1 from 2008.   

 The Prep year will be phased in at 40 more state schools and up to 10 non-state schools in 2005/06.   Currently there is a trial Prep program operating at Maryborough Central State School.  The following is a series of questions relating to eligibility of students entering Prep school.

 Q. Who can go into Prep year?

A. All children of appropriate age will be able to enrol in the Preparatory year.

 From 2007, the non-compulsory, full time Preparatory year will be offered in all state primary schools. It will replace the part time preschool system that is now available at all schools.

 Q. Is there a waiting list for Prep year?

A. There is no waiting list for Prep year because it is available to all children attending state primary schools.

 Q. When can my child start Prep and Year 1?

A. Your child will need to be 5 years old by 30^th June in the year they start Prep year.

 From 2008, the compulsory school starting age will increase by 6 months, so your child will need to be 6 years old by 30^th June in the year they enrol in Year 1. 

Q. My child was born between 1^st July and 31^st December 2002, so are they not eligible for Prep in 2007? What other options do I have?

 A. Kindergarten and other childcare providers will continue to offer programs for children prior to the preparatory year. Parents may choose to access these programs until they are able to begin Prep in 2008.

The government provides funding to the Crèche and Kindergarten Association and this support will continue. The government has made a commitment to continue to work with this sector to ensure these services complement the new Prep year. The following table provides clarity around enrolment eligibility for Prep. 

 As the school moves closer to the implementation date, more information will come to light. We will constantly update you with new developments. This is an exciting initiative that requires significant change. As an organization, we desire to work through this change with you so that we can create a better start for our children entering formal education.

Send mail to  admin@sunburyss.eq.edu.au with questions or comments about this web site.
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