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.
Foundations of Wellbeing
A supportive look at the primary building blocks of child development, ensuring they enter school feeling ready to thrive.
Sleep
Screens
Connection
Good sleep helps children’s brains and bodies recharge so they can focus, cope with big feelings, and enjoy learning.
Healthy screen habits protect children’s attention, mood, and imagination so they have energy left for play and learning.
Warm, steady relationships help children feel safe, confident, and ready to try new things at school.
Movement
Predictability
Language
Regular movement builds strong bodies, better balance, and focus so children can sit, listen, and join in.
Simple, predictable routines lower stress and help children feel calm and ready for the day’s learning.
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 families as your little ones step into their primary school adventure. Explore our guides below to feel calm and ready for day one.
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