Is Your Child Ready for School? The 5 Key Skills That Matter Most

A simple guide to school readiness in Australia for families with children aged 3–5.

If you’ve been wondering “What should my child know before starting school?”, you’re not alone. For many families, the idea of preparing a child for primary school can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming.

The good news? In Australia, school readiness isn’t about academic achievement. Children don’t need to read, write, or do sums before they start school. What matters most is that they feel confident, curious, and capable of managing the daily routines of a classroom.

So what does that look like—and how can you support your child as they grow?

Here are five essential skills that help children thrive as they take their next big step into school.

Start Your Own Little Garden at Home: Easy Ideas for Families

With Earth Day coming up on 22 April, there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves, dig into some dirt, and explore sustainability with your little one — right from your own home.

At Milestones Early Learning, we know that children develop a deep connection to nature when they’re given the time and space to explore it. Many of our centres offer opportunities for children to engage with veggie gardens, worm farms, and outdoor learning spaces — helping them understand where food comes from and how to care for living things.

And the best part? You don’t need a big backyard to start a little garden at home.

Quality Child Care Builds Confident Kids: How We Support Emotional Wellbeing at Milestones

Whether it’s a tearful goodbye at drop-off, a shy wave to a new friend, or the proud moment your child says “I did it!” – early childhood is full of big emotions.

At Milestones, we know these everyday moments are more than just milestones—they’re the building blocks of lifelong emotional wellbeing. That’s why supporting children’s mental health is woven into everything we do.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing at Milestones

Healthy Habits Start Early: How Milestones Supports Your Child’s Wellbeing

Celebrating World Health Day – 7 April

At Milestones Early Learning, every day is an opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of the children in our care. This World Health Day (7 April), we’re highlighting the important role early childhood education plays in building healthy habits that last a lifetime.

From nutritious meals to daily outdoor play and emotional support, we take a whole-child approach to wellbeing—because when children feel well, they learn and thrive.

Early childhood learning and education at Milestones Seven Hills

Sensory Play in Autumn: Fun Activities to Try at Home

Autumn is here, bringing crisp air, colourful leaves, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on, messy play with your little one! At Milestones Early Learning, we love incorporating the changing seasons into our play-based learning experiences, and we encourage families to do the same at home. Sensory play isn’t just fun—it helps develop fine motor skills, language, and problem-solving abilities, all while creating lasting memories together.

Building Bright Futures: How Milestones Early Learning Centres Foster Foundational Learning

The early years of a child’s life are a time of rapid brain development, curiosity, and learning. Every experience shapes a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional skills, setting the foundation for lifelong learning. At Milestones Early Learning Centres, we understand that these years are crucial in preparing children for primary school and beyond.

The Power of Social Development in Early Childhood: How Milestones Early Learning Fosters Social Connectivity

From the moment they are born, children begin forming connections with the world around them. Social development in early childhood – the ability to form meaningful relationships with peers, educators, and family members—is a crucial part of early childhood development. At Milestones Early Learning, we recognise that strong social bonds lay the foundation for emotional intelligence, communication skills, and lifelong learning.

In this blog, we’ll explore what social connectivity in early childhood is, why it’s essential for children under five, how it develops in early years, and how high-quality child care fosters these critical skills.

Emotional Confidence in Early Childhood: Why It’s Important and Key Milestones

Child learning digital skills on an interactive screen in school readiness program

The Role of Digital Literacy in Preparing Children for School and Beyond

Today’s classrooms and workplaces are increasingly digital, making digital literacy a foundational skill that children need as they grow. Digital literacy in early childhood isn’t just about screen time; it’s about teaching children how to understand, interact with, and benefit from digital tools safely and responsibly. At Milestones Early Learning, our approach to digital literacy within the Lifelong Learning Curriculum is age-appropriate, purposeful, and designed to set children up for school readiness and success in life.

Early childhood learning and education at Milestones Seven Hills

Choosing the Best Child Care in Australia: Why Milestones’ Lifelong Learning Curriculum Stands Out

Choosing the best child care is a crucial decision for any parent. At Milestones Early Learning, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is widely regarded as the most advanced approach to early education in Australia, designed to support every child’s unique journey. From integrating traditional models like Montessori and Reggio Emilia to incorporating evidence-based practices such as attachment theory and Project-Based Learning, our curriculum provides a comprehensive, enriching experience for young learners.