Prep

​​Prep is the first year of schooling in Queensland and provides the foundation for your child's future education. Queensland children must complete Prep before progressing to Year One. It is a full-time compulsory program with a defined curriculum, delivered in all Queensland Primary Schools.

Prep Eligibility

To enrol in Prep, your child/ren must turn five years old by 30 June in the year they start.

Use the online Prep calculator to determine when your child can begin Prep. Simply enter your child's birth month and year.

For more detailed information, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/education/earlychildhood/prep/enrolments

Prep and Year One Eligibility Table (2025–2030)

Prep at Spring Mountain State School (SMSS)​

Prep at Spring Mountain State School marks the beginning of your child's formal education journey. Our Prep program is designed to foster a love of learning through engaging, hands-on experiences that support the development of foundational literacy, numeracy, and social skills. We create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to explore, question, and grow. Our experienced teachers use the Australian Curriculum to guide developmentally appropriate learning that nurtures curiosity and builds confidence.

We recognise that the transition to school is a significant milestone for children and families. At Spring Mountain State School, we work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure a smooth and positive start to Prep. Through strong relationships and open communication, we support every child to settle into routines, build friendships, and develop the independence needed for success in school and beyond. Our commitment is to help each child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in their first year of school.

Prep Operating Hours

The Prep day mirrors a full school day:

• Start time: 8.30 am (doors open from 8:15 am allowing for smooth transition)
• Finish time: 2:30 pm

During the first week of Prep, parents are invited to enter the classroom at 8:15am to share a short activity with their child – leaving at 8.30am. After this two-week period, students should be dropped off at the Prep classroom between 8:15am and 8:30am.

Prep Morning Routine Expectations

When children arrive, they are encouraged to take responsibility for their belongings. Please help your child follow the routine outlined by their teacher, which may include:

• Putting their bag away
• Placing their water bottle in the designated area
• Going to the toilet before class begins
• Putting their brain break in the designated area

Learning Through Curiosity (LTC) Activities

One of our powerful morning routines that allow for a great transition, further development of oral language and an opportunity for teachers to observe, explore and engage students in the learning mindset, is our Learning Through Curiosity activities.  These occur each morning between 8.15-8.30am and we encourage our parents to drop their students on time and ready for this supportive transition from home to learning strategy.  Some examples of what you might see and hear are listed below:

A table with current unit of work visuals and a provocative question that asks students to talk, engage or work with other students to solve a problem, role play a certain interaction or talk to others about what they see or think

Activities that engage students in building, creating or role playing

Resources that are open-ended that allow them to re-create their current world e.g. building blocks, blocks, click sticks or other building materials

Our teachers at tables and on the floor talking with students, asking questions, engaging them in conversation and use of vocabulary, turn taking, and celebrating their thinking

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Prep Pick-Up Expectations

Prep students finish at 2.30pm, in line with the rest of the school.

• Our preference is that in the first term, children are to be dropped off and collected from the classroom by a responsible adult.  If you require an older student to complete this on your behalf, please make contact with your class teacher and this will need to be approved by the Principal.
• Teachers often attend meetings after school, so please ensure your child is picked up promptly.  If you require a discussion or meeting, please make an appointment with your class teacher at a time that suits you both.
• If you are delayed unexpectedly, contact the school office as soon as possible. Your child will be taken to the office for supervision.

If someone other than a parent or guardian is collecting your child:

• Please inform us in person or via email.
• The person must be listed as an emergency contact in our school records.

For early pick-ups during the school day, visit the office to sign your child out. Then follow the instructions of the office staff to ensure a smooth transition out for your child.

Attendance Matters

Prep is a five-day-per-week program. Consistent attendance supports learning and helps children build routines and relationships.  As this Prep year is a compulsory year of schooling, supports good understanding of school expectations and learning habits and, building of positive social friendships, it is very important that your child/ren attends every day. Learn more at:

https://education.qld.gov.au/initiatives-and-strategies/initiatives/every-day-counts

Helpful Links

Preparing Your Child for Prep:

https://www.qld.gov.au/education/earlychildhood/prep/preparing

Learning in Prep:

https://www.qld.gov.au/education/earlychildhood/prep/learning

Prep Curriculum:

https://education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/ecec/about-prep

https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

Lunch Box Ideas:

https://education.qld.gov.au/student/Pages/aHealthyStartToSchoolToolKit.aspx ​

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