Hi, I am new to this forum and this is my first post.
We are relocating back to Australia (NSW) next September with our 3 children who will be at the time of our return just turned 5, 3 and a 1/2 and 23months.
The eldest two boys are currently in nursery here in the UK and they go every day from 9.15 to 3.30 Monday to Wednesday and 9.15 to 12.30 Thursday and Friday. They are at a school that teaches "learning through play" and the eldest one can read, write and do maths.
My question is, I need direction in getting them enrolled at a nursery/pre-school that can continue what they have learned here. I have done some google searches but seem to just come up with childcare places rather than actual nurserys. Please can someone point me in the right direction or some websites that I can contact.
We don't call them nurserys in Australia. Childcare is basically what you call nursery - or so my English friend tells me.
Your 5 year old will be considered school aged in Australia depending on what state you are moving back to. I believe, in NSW 5 year olds go to kinder - correct me if I am wrong NSWers.
You may wish to investigate Montessori preschools. They can be a bit expensive with their fees, but the focus on learning through play. Most programmes for early childhood sentres in Aus do focus on learning through play, though it depends on how they programme as to what the programme consists of. It sounds to me like the place your shildren attends is more like a preschool, rather than a long day care. In NSW there are preschools which are run by the Dept of Education and are usually attached to public primary schools. Thye have similar hours to those you mention and also have more 'educational' (ie- school like) programmes.
As for you 5y'o, he will not have to attend kindergarten until the year he turns 6, by law in NSW. I f he doesn't turn 5 until August he will not be able to attend kindy here yet. He will begin next year.
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Pre-school nursery query
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