Parenting in South Australia
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in South Australia.
- First year of school
- Reception
- Turn 5 by
- 30 April
- Child health record
- Blue Book
Starting school
In South Australia, children who turn 5 by 30 April can usually start Reception that year. Families of children born close to the cut-off can often choose to start a year later.
The year before school
Government preschools offer a free program in the year before school, with three-year-old preschool being introduced. Check current details with the education department.
Child health checks
Your baby’s Child Health and Development Record (the Blue Book) records growth, checks and immunisations. Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) 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 SA?
Children who turn 5 by 30 April can usually start Reception that year.
What is the child health record called in SA?
It is the Child Health and Development Record (the Blue Book), given to you after your baby is born.