Parenting in Northern Territory
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in Northern Territory.
- First year of school
- Transition
- Turn 5 by
- 30 June
- Child health record
- personal health record
Starting school
In Northern Territory, children who turn 5 by 30 June can usually start Transition that year. Families of children born close to the cut-off can often choose to start a year later.
The year before school
Government 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 records growth, checks and immunisations. Child and family health services 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 NT?
Children who turn 5 by 30 June can usually start Transition that year.
What is the child health record called in NT?
It is the personal health record, given to you after your baby is born.