The School Readiness Framework
A supportive guide to help you and your tamariki build the skills needed for a calm, confident start to school. Explore each area below to find practical ideas that fit your whānau.
Sleep
Good sleep helps children’s brains and bodies recharge so they can focus, cope with big feelings, and enjoy learning.
Foundations of Wellbeing
A supportive look at the primary building blocks of child development, ensuring they enter school feeling ready to thrive.
Screens
Healthy screen habits protect children’s attention, mood, and imagination so they have energy left for play and learning.
Connection
Warm, steady relationships help children feel safe, confident, and ready to try new things at school.
Movement
Regular movement builds strong bodies, better balance, and focus so children can sit, listen, and join in.
Predictability
Simple, predictable routines lower stress and help children feel calm and ready for the day’s learning.
Language
Rich language and conversation grow children’s vocabulary, thinking skills, and confidence to share ideas at school.
The School Essentials Hub
Practical advice and warm support for New Zealand whānau as your little ones step into their primary school adventure. Explore our guides below to feel calm and ready for day one.
Choosing a school in New Zealand
Understanding school zones and the Kiwi education system.
School visits and open days
What to look for during your visits to local schools.
Parent Teacher Communication
Effective ways to talk with your child's teachers.
Lunchbox ideas and recipes
Healthy, nut-free snacks and midday meals tamariki love.
Daily routines and planning
Setting up morning and after-school flows for success.
Bags, uniforms, and supplies
Comfortable gear and stationery lists for primary school.
Communication and apps
Staying connected with school news and classroom updates.
Attendance and expectations
Understanding school life and community standards.
Getting involved and community
Ways to contribute and connect with local whānau.
School holiday preparation
Tips for transitioning home and back to school again.
Extracurricular activities
Exploring sports, arts, and clubs for your child.
First-day checklists
Everything they need for a confident, calm start day.
GIVE • GROW • CREATE • WONDER • CONNECT • LEARN • DO • PLAY • SMILE •
Essential Support
Well and Ready HQ resources are launching very soon
Expertly designed materials to boost your child's developmental milestones before the year begins.
LAUNCHING
Draw / DO
Developmental Activity Kits
Engaging exercises that strengthen the necessary motor skills and logic for a great first school term.
LAUNCHING
PLAY / ACT
Visual Prompts
Creative cards that spark conversation and help with counting and alphabet recognition through daily playtime.
LAUNCHING
FEEL / SHARE
Social Stories
Help children adjust to new environments through empathetic storytelling that simplifies big life transitions.
LAUNCHING
READ / KNOW
Reading List
A thoughtfully selected list of books that focus on kindness, bravery, and starting the school adventure.
Want to prepare your little one for a great start?
Every child – and every family – is different. Before we build out Well and Ready HQ, we want to hear from you.
- Tell us your biggest questions about your child starting school
- Share what feels confusing, worrying or unclear right now
- Help shape the tools, checklists and guides we create next