.png)
What is The Ridge's School Readiness Program?
‘School readiness’ in children may look different for each child and it is more complex than just being able to read or write. Here are some of the skills we focus on to help prepare children to have a confident start to big school.
Physical health and coordination
Basic health, fine motor skills (such as being able to grip a pencil and turn pages in a book) and physical coordination (being able to run, jump, climb, and play ball).
Language & early literacy skills
Being able to talk and listen to adults and other children, speak clearly, communicate needs, understand stories, and begin to identify some letters and sounds.
Approach to learning
Being curious about the world and have the initiative to problem solve with focused attention and persistence.
Cognitive Skills
Basic number sense, basic thinking skills, being able to wait and take turns.
Emotional maturity
Being able to manage their emotions, cope with minimal adult contact in large groups, focus on tasks, follow directions and instructions from teachers, cope with the stress of the new school environment, and understand the rules.
Social skills
Being able to get along with other children, demonstrate basic manners, assert themselves, and being able to play independently as well as with other children.
What is a Child-Centred Curriculum?
A child-centred curriculum:
-
Is planned and implemented with a focus on children learning through play
-
Is based on children’s needs, interests, strengths, understandings and capacity.
-
Reflects a range and variety of experiences to cater for children’s needs, interests, abilities
-
Takes account of the need for children to pursue their own interests and play experiences
-
Recognises the child’s voice, it captures the child’s ideas and intentions and recognises their learning strategies or learning goals.
-
Is communicated appropriately to children, families and educators through written and verbal information
-
Is sufficiently flexible to permit changes initiated by children and educators working together
-
Reflects the interests and diversity of the children and the expertise of the educators
-
Reflects the connections between children, families and communities and the importance of reciprocal relationships and partnerships for learning.
-
Values the cultural and social contexts of children and their families
(Community Child Care, 2011, P4.)
Belonging, Being & Becoming
(Early Year Learning Framework)
Belonging
“You belong in your house with your family”
– Dong
Becoming
Being
When you keep planting plants you become a gardener”
– Olivia
“If you want to be a mermaid you can imagine”
– Jazmine
The Framework conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five Learning Outcomes:
1. Children have a strong sense of identity
2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world
3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
4. Children are confident and involved learners
5. Children are effective communicators
Start Strong Funding -- Making Preschool More Affordable in 2026
The NSW Government's Start Strong program helps reduce the cost of preschool for eligible families enrolled at The Ridge. This funding is separate from and in addition to your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) -- meaning many families can significantly reduce their weekly out-of-pocket fees.
How Much Can Your Family Receive?
The NSW Government's Start Strong program helps reduce the cost of preschool for eligible families enrolled at The Ridge. This funding is separate from and in addition to your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) -- meaning many families can significantly reduce their weekly out-of-pocket fees.
Is Your Child Eligible?
To receive Start Strong fee relief at The Ridge, your child needs to:
-
Be at least 3 years old on or before 31 July 2026
-
Be enrolled in our preschool program
-
Have a confirmed CCS enrolment
-
Not be receiving Start Strong fee relief at another service
All NSW families are eligible regardless of citizenship or residency status, and Start Strong funding does not affect your Child Care Subsidy payments.
How Do You Access It?
Simply ask our team for a Start Strong fee relief declaration form when you enrol. You nominate The Ridge as your nominated service and we take care of the rest. Your fee reduction begins from the time of enrolment.
To find out exactly how much your family could save, contact us today or book a tour and we will walk you through it in person.