Parenting in New South Wales
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in New South Wales.
- First year of school
- Kindergarten
- Turn 5 by
- 31 July
- Child health record
- Blue Book
Starting school
In New South Wales, children who turn 5 by 31 July 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
Free or low-cost preschool for children in the two years before school at participating community and government preschools. Check current details with the education department.
Child health checks
Your baby’s Personal Health Record (the Blue Book) records growth, checks and immunisations. Child and family 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 NSW?
Children who turn 5 by 31 July can usually start Kindergarten that year.
What is the child health record called in NSW?
It is the Personal Health Record (the Blue Book), given to you after your baby is born.