How the school system works in NSW
The Department of Education and Training (DET) is responsible for the school system in NSW and you will find a full range of helpful information available on their website. A range of pamphlets are also available from your local school.
What you should know...
The school system is in three tiers: Pre-school, Primary School and High School.
The school year generally starts in the last week of January and has four terms with breaks in April, July, September/October and December/January. School hours vary but are generally 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Primary school children can attend before school care and after school care as well as vacation care if there is a need for supervision in out of school hours. These are usually run by parent committees with supervised activities and opportunity to make friends.
Fees apply but you may be eligible for assistance.
Speak to the Family Assistance Office – phone: 13 6150
Pre-school
There is no legal requirement for a child to attend Pre-school however children who do attend find it easier to fit into school life. Pre- schools can be run privaphone:y or through the Department of Education.
Contact your local Primary School to find out if they have a free Pre-school facility in your area.
For Non-Government Pre-schools contact:
Child Care and Family Info Line: 02 8594 4244 or 1800 803 820 (outside of Sydney)
Lady Gowrie Child Centre, Sydney - Primary School and High School
All children between the ages of 6 and 15 are required to attend school. You can apply to enroll your child in a school outside of your local area if you wish, however each school has its own local area and is part of the community and there can be benefits to schooling closer to home.
To find your local schools phone: 131 536
Aboriginal school services
For more information on Aboriginal education services click here.
Multi-cultural school services
For more information on multi-cultural education services click here.
School enrollment
When enrolling in Kindergarten the school will want to see your child's Immunisation and Birth Certificates. Children do not have to be immunised to attend school however, if they are not they may be asked to stay away from school if there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.
Not sure whether your grandchild is immunised?
- Contact The Immunisation Hotline phone: 1800 671 811 or
- The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register: 1800 653 809
The school will also need to know if your child is on any medication. A permission note will be required if medication needs to be given at school.
Back to school allowance
At the start of each year families receive a $50 Back-to-School Allowance in Term 1.
Speak to your school principal or contact the Back-to-School Helpline 1300 656 056 Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm.
School fees and uniforms
Parents are asked to pay yearly 'voluntary school contributions'. Payment is not compulsory and if you are unable to make a contribution your child should not suffer any disadvantage at school. A Student Assistance Scheme is available if you are unable to afford some of the 'elective' studies and can assist with uniforms, books and excursions. Discuss this with the principal.
Uniforms are also not compulsory however most public schools ask that students comply with their dress code. Consult the school principal if you have a problem.
Permission notes for school activities
If you do not have a legalised situation regarding the care of the children, it is a good idea to have a document in place signed by your grandchild's parents and a solicitor giving authority for you to give permission for any school activities or medical interventions that are required. Notify the principal of the arrangement within your family so that she/he can assist if necessary. You can have a 'consent order' between you and the parents which covers you in these circumstances.
Contact the Family Law Hotline on: 1800 050 321 for a kit and details.
Homework
Ways of teaching and the type of homework your grandchild brings home are likely to be very different to the way it was years ago. If you have any concerns about homework and how your child is managing talk with the teacher or principal. There may be a homework support centre or tutor available to assist. Homework Help is available in many areas. Ask at your local Council Library or Youth Centre.
Children with learning difficulties
For more information on children with learning difficulties click here.
Computers
Computers are an important part of school life. If you are unable to provide a computer for your child the school will ensure she/he knows where to use one – discuss this with the year advisor. The local Council Library has computers for use by the general public with access to the Internet.
Grandparent Support Groups often have good advice about how to get some of these 'essentials'. COTA (NSW) 02 9286 3860 or 1800 449 102 can direct you to your nearest group and has a Computer Club that can assist as well.