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Going to kindergarten if your child is 6 years old

Some children’s learning may be better supported in kindergarten or Pre-Prep when they are 6 years old.

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If your child will turn 6 before they commence school, you must get an exemption from starting school.

An exemption may be granted in situations where your child is eligible for a funded kindergarten place.

If your child turns 6 in their first year of funded Four-Year-Old Kindergarten/Pre-Prep

You can apply for an exemption from school if one or more of these circumstances apply:

  • Your family has moved from interstate or overseas where the school entry age is different to Victoria.
  • Your child's early education has been delayed due to chronic illness, disability or developmental delay.
  • Your child is a refugee or asylum seeker who has suffered trauma and would benefit from a year of kindergarten or Pre-Prep before starting school.
  • Your child has not been able to access kindergarten because of transient family circumstances.
  • Your child accessed a second year of Three-Year-Old kindergarten.
  • Other special considerations.

You need to get written confirmation from a professional (such as a kindergarten teacher, doctor or an allied health professional) to confirm the circumstance. The professional must explain why it's best for your child to go to kindergarten or Pre-Prep instead of starting school.

If your child is doing an additional year of funded kindergarten or Pre-Prep

You can apply for an exemption from school if a Declaration of eligibility for an additional year of funded kindergarten or Pre-Prep form has been completed by your child's kindergarten teacher for either Three- or Four-Year-Old Kindergarten/ Pre-Prep. A copy of this must be provided with the Exemption from school due to attendance at a kindergarten program application form.

You should check with your child's kindergarten service that the Declaration of eligibility for an additional year of funded kindergarten or Pre-Prep form has been submitted.

What you need to do

You are responsible for applying for an exemption. This is not done by your child’s kindergarten. You must complete an exemption application form and attach any written evidence along with the form.

Updated forms will be published in July, in the interim, please continue using the below forms.

Send the form to the relevant Department of Education regional office by 1 November the year prior.

Address it to the Area Executive Director and provide it to your closest Department of Education regional office via post or email.

Next steps

You'll receive a letter once your exemption request has been reviewed.

Give a copy of the letter to your child's kindergarten to confirm that their eligibility for an exemption has been granted.

You have the option to withdraw your request at any time.

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