How it works
A clearer way to decide.
Three connected steps: understand the rules, consider what you know about your child, and make a plan you can review.
01 / DECIDE
Start with the real options.
Choose where your child will start and the education stage you are considering. StartYear separates ordinary eligibility from decisions requiring a school or authority's approval.
The free check explains starting-age rules. Full StartYear adds structured observations, with an optional educator contribution, to inform a directional Decision Plan.
What goes into the decision?
- Lawful enrolment options and compulsory schooling
- Everyday learning, communication and participation
- Parent and optional educator observations
- Support that works in the proposed setting
02 / PREPARE
Focus on what can change.
A useful plan does more than point to a year. It explains the factors for and against a direction, where information is missing, and a small set of practical preparation priorities.
Ordinary support needs, communication differences and relative age are not automatic votes to delay.
A balanced outcome is useful.
Sometimes the responsible result is that the picture is mixed, or that the family should speak with the school. StartYear does not manufacture certainty.
03 / TRANSITION
Review before the start.
Children change. Your plan can be revisited when important observations, supports or circumstances change. For a kindy/preschool decision, the school-year view is provisional and should be reviewed closer to school entry.
The decision stays with your family.
Use StartYear to structure a conversation, not to replace your educator, school or relevant education authority.
A clearer beginning
Begin with the options you have.
The free starting-age check is the first step, not a readiness verdict.
