Best tips for starting Kindergarten

The next few weeks will see some excited and nervous kids starting school across Australia, and we'd love to share some of our tips for a smooth transition to school. 

Keep lunch time simple

There’s no competition for making the fanciest lunch! Keep it simple with foods that offer slow-burning energy, some bite-sized fruit, easy-open containers, and a water bottle.

Do some lunchbox trial runs

Ensure your child can open their lunch bag and lunch box container with minimal assistance! It's good to practice opening things like packets, and peeling fruits (bananas. mandarins etc) at home, to ensure that your little one can manage break times independently. If in doubt, transfer snacks to a container that you know they can open.

Get to know your school’s apps

It’s likely your school will use a couple of apps for communication, as well as online ordering. Be sure to keep an eye on each of them for important updates! Our top tip? Flexischools can be used for all manner of school services - from canteen ordering, to events and uniform shop ordering. Check our the app to see what’s available at your school.

Have a spare

Expect that your little one will lose certain items, and hats and jumpers are common culprits! Having a spare on hand - from the school's uniform shop or second-hand clothing pool - makes this less of an issue when an item is inevitably lost!

Label everything

Uniforms are expensive! Ensure that everything - in particular, hats, jumpers and drink bottles - are clearly labelled with your child's name. It’s also worth familiarising yourself with your school's lost property location/procedures, as it's likely you'll end up spending some of your time there.

Make drop-offs quick and positive

Practice saying goodbye quickly and confidently. A short drop-off routine can help kids settle faster, and remember: their teachers are pros at helping kids settle in!

Keep a consistent routine

Start school bedtimes and morning routines a week before term begins, and expect to have some tired, hungry little people coming home of an evening as they adjust to this new routine. 

Set up your Flexischools account early

Download the app, create your profile, set up your child's profile and link to your child’s school.This will make those last minute orders that much quicker when you realise you’re out of bread!

Top up your account

Add funds to your account so you’re ready to go for those last-minute orders - here's how.