How Do I Decide If My Child Should Repeat Kindergarten?

As a parent, you want your child to thrive at school - not just academically, but socially and emotionally, too. So when the end of the kindergarten year rolls around and you're not quite sure if your child is ready for the leap to Prep (or Foundation, etc.), the decision to repeat can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering: Is my child eligible to repeat? What are the benefits? Who can help me decide?

Is My Child Eligible to Repeat Kindergarten?

In Australia, each state and territory has slightly different rules about kindergarten repetition. In general, most children can only access two years of funded kindergarten before starting school, and repeating is usually not automatic.

For example, in Victoria, children can repeat kindergarten only if they meet the criteria for "a second year of funded four-year-old kindergarten," which includes demonstrating a significant developmental delay in at least two key areas (e.g., language, social skills, or emotional maturity).  It's important to check your local guidelines and speak with your kindergarten teacher or early childhood provider about the specific criteria in your area. Meeting this criteria does not mean you child has to repeat kindergarten, it just means that they may be eligible to do so if this is the choice you have made.

What Are the Benefits of Repeating Kindergarten?

Choosing to repeat kindergarten can offer some advantages - if it’s the right decision for your child’s individual needs.

Some potential benefits include:

• More time to develop foundational skills - Children who are still developing skills like language, self-care, emotional regulation, or social interaction may benefit from an extra year to build confidence in a supported environment.

• A chance to mature socially and emotionally - Kindergarten is about more than letters and numbers. If your child struggles with navigating emotions, following routines, or interacting with peers in a way that fulfills their own needs, another year might help them settle and grow.

• Avoiding a difficult start to formal schooling - School readiness includes not only academic ability but also independence, self-regulation, and resilience. A strong start can reduce anxiety and prevent early school difficulties.

However, repeating isn’t always the answer. Some children may simply need additional support or reasonable adjustments rather than an extra year. It's important to consider whether repeating will address your child's challenges, or if they will be transitioning into a school that has the capacity to support their needs, such as a specialist school environment.

Who Can Help Me Decide?

If you are having difficulty making this decision, and would like additional information and guidance, you can reach out to your care team for support. You care team shouldn’t make these decisions for you, but can provide additional information on the types of support your child may need to be success either within the kinder setting, or when transitioning to school. This may help in your decision making process.

Here’s who you can turn to:

• Kindergarten teachers or early educators - They observe your child regularly and can provide insights about how your child is developing and what support they need.

• Occupational Therapists - An OT can assess your child’s development in areas like sensory processing, motor skills, emotional regulation, and school readiness. They can also provide strategies and support if your child is struggling.

• Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, and Physiotherapists - If your child is having challenges with language, or emotional well-being, or gross motor skills, these professionals can help assess and support their needs.

• Your child’s GP or Paediatrician - Medical professionals can help rule out underlying issues and refer you to the appropriate specialists.

Many parents find that a developmental assessment helps clarify strengths, challenges, and whether another year of kindergarten would make a meaningful difference.

Deciding whether to repeat kindergarten is deeply personal and often complex. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about understanding your child - their strengths, their needs, their readiness - and weighing those against the support systems available.

Give yourself permission to ask questions, take your time, and seek guidance. With the right support, you can make a decision that feels right for your child and your family.

If you need support in assessing your child’s current needs, feel free to reach out to us via our contact form, email, or phone.