Be Ready starting school expo

Starting 'big school' is an important and exciting time for families and their kindy children, and a new expo in Eurobodalla aims to help all kids get off to a successful start.

Council’s children’s services team is hosting a ‘Be Ready’ Starting School Expo on Saturday 19 March at Riverside Park in Moruya where local schools, child care agencies and health organisations will showcase their services alongside fun activities for the kids.

The day is for families and their children starting school in 2017 to help them understand the importance of the transition to school, prepare their child, and make informed decisions about this big step.

Senior Coordinator at Council’s Children’s Services Louise Hatton says that unfortunately some children begin school without the necessary skills for a successful start.

“Nine per cent of Eurobodalla children are developmentally vulnerable on two or more of the Australian Early Development Index domains when they start school, while 21 per cent are vulnerable on one or more,” Ms Hatton said.

“We think we can improve outcomes for our youngest community members by taking a whole of community approach, and the Be Ready expo is one way we can do this.

“Having the event in March means that families will have plenty of time to prepare their child for school and begin to think about their school preferences.

“Schools will also have opportunity to network with health services and local child care services so that key messages about school readiness can be clearly communicated to families.

“As well as the information stalls, we have a guest speaker and lots of fun activities for all the family, including African drumming, plus free giveaways.

“Keep an eye out for our Be Ready posters and banners around the shire promoting the expo. We hope to see lots of families on the day,” Ms Hatton said.

The Be Ready Starting School Expo will be held on Saturday 19 March from 9am to 1pm at Riverside Park in Moruya, opposite the markets. Entry is free.