School in QLD

[tellytubby]

as far as i'm aware prep is still not compulsory .

Very true. A friend of mine only sends her DS to prep 3 days a week

[aussienic]

Kinder isn't compulsory here.. nor is prep.. Grade 1 is.. You don't have to start her the year she turns 5 but I think if you wait she will go straight to year 1

At my kids school it is full time school.. 9am to 3pm (8:50) They were the same uniform as the rest of the school

[Floweryfields]

In a nut shell -
Kindy (or pre prep) must be 4 by 30th June
Prep, must be 5 by 1st July
Prep is not compulsary - however if you choose to forgo a year, they must start year one the following year unless you have a diagnosed reason for why you can delay start to school.

So you have older and younger children in the one group really, those with an early year birthday are less mature by quite alot compared to those who missed out the previous year and turn 6 in their year of prep.