Parenting in Australian Capital Territory
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in Australian Capital Territory.
- First year of school
- Kindergarten
- Turn 5 by
- 30 April
- Child health record
- blue book
Starting school
In Australian Capital Territory, children who turn 5 by 30 April can usually start Kindergarten that year. Families of children born close to the cut-off can often choose to start a year later.
The year before school
Public schools offer free preschool in the year before school. Check current details with the education department.
Child health checks
Your baby’s personal health record (the blue book) records growth, checks and immunisations. Maternal and Child Health nurses provide free checks from birth to school age.
Car seats
Child restraint laws are consistent across Australia: rearward facing under 6 months, a harnessed seat to 4 years, and a harnessed seat or booster from 4 to 7 years.
Payments
Parental Leave Pay, Child Care Subsidy and Family Tax Benefit are national and managed by Services Australia.
School term dates · Education department
Common questions
What age do children start school in ACT?
Children who turn 5 by 30 April can usually start Kindergarten that year.
What is the child health record called in ACT?
It is the personal health record (the blue book), given to you after your baby is born.