Parenting in Western Australia
School starting age, preschool, child health checks and term dates for families in Western Australia.
- First year of school
- Pre-primary
- Turn 5 by
- 30 June
- Child health record
- Purple Book
Starting school
In Western Australia, children who turn 5 by 30 June can usually start Pre-primary 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 kindergarten in the year before Pre-primary. Check current details with the education department.
Child health checks
Your baby’s personal health record (the Purple Book) records growth, checks and immunisations. Community 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 WA?
Children who turn 5 by 30 June can usually start Pre-primary that year.
What is the child health record called in WA?
It is the personal health record (the Purple Book), given to you after your baby is born.