Moama pre-schoolers have a morning out at the primary school.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
When Moama Public School’s pre-schoolers joined the Easter hat parade this month, it wasn’t just a cute end-of-term activity. It was also a strategic approach to easing students into their future primary school environment.
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The transition to primary school for pre-schoolers can, for parents, be a thorn in their side. Many know the scene well: teary goodbyes, children clinging to parents’ legs, tantrums, kids refusing to enter their new classrooms.
Having pre-schools located next to primary schools may be the solution, and Moama Public School is living proof.
For principal Melita McCartney, the difference between the pre-schoolers who have been with Moama Public School compared to those arriving from outside is “mind-blowing”, she says.
“They get used to all the things that are just typical over in primary school but are unknown in pre-school settings,” Ms McCartney said.
“We get them used to the school environment throughout pre-school, so when the school year starts, they couldn't care less.”
Pre-schoolers at Moama Public School are present for every event held at the primary school ‒ from cross-country and hat parades to assemblies and library sessions.
Ms McCartney said that having the pre-school nearby allowed children to develop age-appropriate social and emotional skills while becoming familiar with their future school environment.
It also allows teachers and staff to get to know the parents, strengthening the school community right from the outset.
“All the parents get to know the teachers too, and it just takes all the stress away from them,” she said.
“We’re very lucky. You can see if any of the children have any issues in pre-school and smooth out some issues the best you can and support the family before that transition happens.”
Danielle Spits with her daughter Summer, Prep, and son Brax, Year 2.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Mother of six, Danielle Spits, has had experiences with both sides of the pre-school system — daycare, sessional and public pre-school — but now swears by the co-location pre-school route.
Her daughter attended the Moama Public School pre-school and said the first day of Prep was a breeze for the family compared to her other children’s first-year transition.
“It was like nothing — I didn’t get a kiss or a cuddle, I was in and out,” she said.
“You don't have to worry about the emotional side, and you can focus on just learning and getting used to the routines.
“You definitely can see the difference with anyone who has had children go through the pre-school.”
Moama Public School has been ahead of the curve, with the attached pre-school transitioning kids to school since about 2006, and the NSW Government is taking notice of the difference it makes.
In 2024, NSW Premier Chris Minns committed $769 million to deliver 100 new pre-schools co-located with primary schools by 2027.
The investment aims to make early education more affordable while mimicking the transition success seen in co-located pre-schools such as Moama.
So as Moama Public School eases its youngest learners into school life through Easter hat parades and cross-country races, the rest of NSW watches on — ready for the co-location model to become the new state standard.
