Primary school 5 to 10 years

Your child will develop in leaps and bounds as they progress from Prep to Year 6. Find out what to expect and how to make the most of their primary school years.

Get ready

Find out how to support your child as they grow up during the primary school years.

Read the Victorian Government’s guide to finding a school, enrolling and preparing your child to start primary school in Victoria.
Look into before- and after-school care options if you need it (it may be offered at your child’s school.)
Enrol in one of the many children’s programs at our 4 swimming pools and leisure centres.
As your child gets older, you'll start considering secondary school options. Gather information about schools, visit on open days and talk to key staff. Read the Victorian Government's page on moving from primary to secondary school.
Visit our Reading advice for early primary 5 to 8 years page to find reading recommendations and programs for your child.

Reliable resources and support

Use these resources for support and guidance on raising children of primary school age.

For reliable, up-to-date and easy-to-understand health information on children aged 4 to 12, visit the Victorian Government's Better Health Channel website.
Get healthy eating ideas for school lunchboxes at the Better Health Channel website.
Join Boroondara Library Service to access books and online resources on age-appropriate parenting, health and learning.
Find evidence-based information and advice for parents of 5 to 8 year olds and pre-teens (9 to 11 years) at the Raising Children Network.
Be sure you've got the right car seat for your child's age and height. Visit the Transport Victoria website to find out how to choose and install a seat.
Get advice on how to support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online at the Australian Government's eSafety website.
Parentline provides free counselling and advice for parents and carers of children up to 18 years old, from 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week. Call 13 22 89.
Nurse on Call helpline puts you directly in touch with a registered nurse for caring, professional health around the clock. Call 1300 60 60 24.
Kids Helpline: call anytime for any reason, whether for counselling or just someone to talk to. Visit the Kids Helpline website or call 1800 551 800 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Victorian Poisons Information Centre: trained staff will give first aid information, tell you if you need to call an ambulance or may refer you to a doctor for treatment. Call 13 11 26.

Activities

Find activities your child can do either with you or on their own.

Browse events for children and families in Boroondara.
Check out the range of activities and events on offer at one of the 11 neighbourhood houses and community centres in Boroondara.
Explore Boroondara’s many free sports and recreation facilities suitable for children, from skate parks to bike paths and basketball courts.
Find activities for you and your child in our searchable directory of activities for families.
Join the Boroondara Library Service to borrow early readers and chapter books for your child. Become a library member.