Is Your Child Ready for School? How Speech Therapy Supports School Readiness

Speech pathology

Starting school is a big milestone in any child’s life—and for parents, it often comes with a mix of excitement and worry. Will they make friends? Understand instructions? Speak clearly? Be confident asking for help?

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we know that communication skills are a core part of school readiness. That’s why our speech pathologists work with families to help children develop the language, listening, and social skills they need to thrive in the classroom.

In this blog, we’ll explain the speech and language foundations of school readiness—and how therapy can help prepare your child for a confident, happy start to school.

What Is School Readiness?

Being “ready” for school isn’t just about knowing letters and numbers. It’s about having the communication, social, and emotional skills to learn, participate, and engage with peers and teachers.

Key communication-based school readiness skills include:

• Understanding and following instructions

• Expressing needs and thoughts clearly

• Listening to stories and answering questions

• Taking turns and starting conversations

• Recognising and producing speech sounds clearly

• Using language to solve problems or ask for help

Signs Your Child Might Benefit From Support

You may want to speak with a speech pathologist if your preschooler:

• Has unclear or difficult-to-understand speech

• Uses short phrases or limited vocabulary

• Struggles to follow directions with two or more steps

• Has difficulty staying on topic or answering questions

• Avoids talking in groups or becomes frustrated when speaking

• Shows delays in storytelling, asking questions, or imaginative play

These skills form the foundation for early literacy, numeracy, and positive classroom behaviour.

How Speech Pathology Supports School Readiness

Our speech pathologists support school readiness by helping children:

• Build expressive and receptive language so they can understand what’s being asked and respond confidently

• Develop clear speech sounds to make themselves understood by teachers and peers

• Improve listening and turn-taking skills to work in a group or classroom setting

• Strengthen narrative and sequencing skills needed for telling stories, answering comprehension questions, and following routines

• Increase social communication to form friendships and navigate playground dynamics

We also help families implement language-building strategies at home, so learning continues outside of therapy sessions.

Our Weekly Early Communication Group

We’re proud to offer a weekly Early Communication Group designed specifically for preschool-aged children preparing for school.

This group focuses on:

• Listening and attention

• Vocabulary development

• Group play and turn-taking

• Early literacy and sound awareness

• Confidence in communication with peers

Run by our experienced speech pathologists, this small-group program combines structured activities with fun, play-based learning. It’s a great way for children to practise school-like routines in a supportive, nurturing environment.

What to Expect If You Reach Out

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we offer:

• Initial assessments to identify your child’s strengths and needs

• Goal-based individual therapy tailored to school preparation

• Small-group programs including our Early Communication Group

• Collaboration with preschools and educators where appropriate

Our goal is to make the transition to school smoother, more confident, and full of joy for your child—and for you.

Ready to Help Your Child Start School Strong?

If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for school—or if you’ve noticed any communication challenges—our speech pathology team is here to help. With one-on-one support and group options, we tailor every plan to meet your child’s needs.

Join our waitlist today to book an assessment or secure a spot in our weekly Early Communication Group.