How GPs can support social skill development for school readiness
08 Jul 2025
As a GP, simply asking a parent, “Does your child attend a playgroup or preschool?” can open a valuable conversation about social skills and school readiness.
If the parent’s response is “no”, encourage them to take their young child to playgroup and enrol them in preschool or childcare as they get older.
Interactions with other children will help to strengthen the social skills required to make a positive start to school. These skills include:
- Communication: talking and listening and being able to ask for help, express their needs and feelings and understanding what others are saying
- Cooperation: being able to work with others, take turns and share
- Self-regulation: managing their emotions and behaviour and controlling impulses
- Empathy: understanding and responding to the emotions and perspectives of others
- Friendship and manners: knowing how to be a good friend, being respectful of others and saying please and thank you
Find out more at:
Canterbury/Bankstown playgroups
Preschools and childcare centres
Social skills and starting school Parent Handout English 2025