Back-to-School Worries? 70% of Parents Fear Their Kids Aren’t Ready for Day On
Australian parents find themselves confronting a key decision: should they hold back their child on the age border for another year before starting school? Recent research from Young Academics, a leading early education provider, reveals that 72% of parents are concerned about whether their children are socially and emotionally ready to transition to a more structured school environment. For children close to the age cutoff, the question becomes even more complex, with parents weighing the potential benefits of an extra year of development against missing out on valuable early learning experiences.
In Australia, starting school is a rite of passage that signifies more than just academic beginnings; it’s a critical period for social and emotional development. Young Academics' research found that 42% of parents observed their children struggling with school transitions, facing challenges like adapting to new routines, making friends, and managing their emotions. Many parents on the age border grapple with the tough question: will giving their child an extra year allow them to develop these skills, or could they benefit from early exposure to a structured school setting?
For many parents, these concerns underscore the importance of early preparation, with 76% of respondents agreeing that building confidence through early support is essential for their children’s success. The research also highlighted that 61% of parents believe additional resources tailored to their child’s developmental needs would help ease the adjustment to school. These findings reflect the ongoing need for more accessible resources that support young learners and parents alike as they navigate these early transitions.
Responding to these concerns, Young Academics has taken a proactive approach to enrich their daily curriculum. Through a unique three-year partnership with beloved children’s entertainers The Wiggles, Young Academics has introduced a series of exclusive resources aimed at supporting young children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Families enrolled in Young Academics centres will gain access to four new videos each year that feature music from The Wiggles, incorporated across seven key program areas: core, scholar, creative, wellness, wellbeing, our world, and discovery.
The benefits of music in early childhood education are well-documented, with studies showing that music-based play can foster friendships, encourage cooperation, and build essential skills like turn-taking and sharing. These social competencies are key as children enter primary school, and musical stimulation is known to strengthen brain pathways associated with memory, attention, and listening skills—all vital for retaining new information in the classroom. For many parents, knowing that musical engagement is part of their child’s preparation brings an added level of confidence as they make the transition to “Big School.”
Caterina Mete, who plays The Red Wiggle, shared her thoughts on the importance of engaging children in their formative years. “For 20 years, I’ve worked with and performed for children, learning what captures their attention and sparks their enthusiasm,” she says. “Becoming a mother myself this year has deepened my understanding of how much these early years shape who children become. Music has a unique ability to inspire and engage, setting children up for future success.”
For families watching their little ones prepare for school, questions about social readiness, confidence, and academic ability are front of mind. This year, Young Academics’ enhanced curriculum aims to bridge the gap for parents and provide a solid foundation for children. With 81% of parents agreeing that early education is crucial to their child’s long-term academic success, the Young Academics and Wiggles collaboration adds a powerful layer to their preparation, reassuring parents that their children are building skills for the future.
Jenni Gaffney, Director of Operations at Young Academics, reflects on the impact of music and the organization’s commitment to supporting children through these formative transitions. “Musically inspired habits are especially valuable for unlocking creativity and communication, even for children with additional learning needs,” she explains. “Our research affirmed that Australian parents are seeking more ways to instill confidence in their children as they progress to school. Our partnership with The Wiggles provides meaningful, interactive ways to do just that, helping children not only adapt but thrive.”
Australian parents voiced their primary concerns for school readiness, with 60% citing the challenge of making new friends, 59% emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, and 46% noting the difficulty of adjusting to a new routine. Music, as one of the few activities that engages both logical and creative sides of the brain, has the power to address each of these challenges, promoting a well-rounded approach to early education.
Through their programs, Young Academics seeks to equip children with the confidence, curiosity, and resilience needed to embark on a successful educational journey. Their curriculum, enriched by the partnership with The Wiggles, offers a unique resource for parents and young learners, fostering positive early experiences that support a lifetime of learning. To learn more about Young Academics’ curriculum and locate the nearest early learning centre, parents can visit
