HI, can anyone share any help and advise on primary schools, If and its a big if, we decide to migrate to OZ I have a 4 year old son who will be my main priority in getting settled in a school along with employment,

any info gratefully appreciated

Well, yes, Australia has primary schools - they say that they are up there by world standards but they are not UK primary schools and may appear quite different to what you expect.

Lots of variables really - what visa you come on will determine whether you pay for the privilege or not. Where you live will determine when he starts school. Then, do you want a faith based or govt school. If you give more information someone will surely be able to help.

When are you thinking of coming?

They don't really start primary school when they're 4 here. Depending on the birthday it could be just under or over age 5.

My daughter will be 5 this December and she'll be starting Prep (one level under year 1) next January.

Just wanted to warn you in case you arrive and find out it's a bit too early for your son to start school.

My son is 4 and in pre-primary at a primary school that we are very happy with. The standard of education is high and there is a very fun, enjoyable atmosphere there. The school is also very much part of the community. My son loves it there.

Hi
The school system will vary from State to State. If you're intrested in Queensland. Check out the following websites.
www.education.qld.gov.au/parents/
www.aisq.qld.edu.au
http://education.qld.gov.au/etrf/aboutprep.html

Basically, Prep is an early education program, offered in primary schools.
It's a full-time program and children attend from Monday to Friday during normal school hours, generally from 9am to 3pm.
Children must be 5 by 30 June in the year they start Prep.
It is available in all Queensland state schools and most non-state schools offering a primary program.
Hope the info helps
Good luck with the 'BIG IF'!

I personally think that kids start school too young in the UK, so have been really pleased that I can just send my daughter (turned 5 a couple of weeks ago) to pre-school for a couple of days a week this year before she starts "proper school", i.e. kindy, this time next year. She could have started this year though if I wanted to send her - from what I can see a lot of ex-pats send their kids to school fairly early as that is what they're used to, the Australians often keep them in a pre-school setting until the statutory school age of 6. There is much more flexibility here which is nice so you can make a decision based on what's best for your child.