The transition to school is a pivotal life stage for both children and their families, and a significant event for educators. A child’s experience of this transition can have consequences for their longer-term academic, social and wellbeing outcomes.

A variety of programs have been designed to support children, their families and educational organisations to prepare for children’s transition to school. In 2021, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) commissioned Western Sydney University to complete two rapid reviews to identify evidence from international and Australian research about programs that improve outcomes for vulnerable young children in the areas of child maltreatment and school readiness.

The review report, A rapid evidence review of early childhood programs to reduce harm and maltreatment and improve school readiness, was recently published. This Evidence to Action Note outlines the key findings from the school readiness rapid review.