Going to kindergarten if your child is 6 years old

Children can go to kindergarten when they're 6 years old if they have a disability, developmental delay or it's a special situation.

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If your child will turn 6 before or while they're in their first or second year of funded Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, you must get an exemption from starting school.

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

If your child is in their first year of funded Four-Year-Old Kindergarten

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 before starting school.
  • Your child has not been able to access kindergarten because of transient family circumstances.
  • 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 also explain why it's best for your child to go to kindergarten instead of starting school.

If your child is in their second year of funded Four-Year-Old Kindergarten

You can apply for an exemption from school if a Declaration of Eligibility for a Second Year of funded Four-year-old Kindergarten form has been filled in by your child's early childhood teacher and is provided with the Exemption from School due to Attendance at a Kindergarten Program form.

You should check with your child's kindergarten service that the Declaration of Eligibility for a Second Year of Funded Four-Year-Old Kindergarten form has been submitted.

What you need to do

You are responsible for getting an exemption. You must complete an exemption form and attach any written evidence along with the form.

Send the form to us by 1 November in the year before your child turns 6.

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

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 if their eligibility for an exemption is confirmed.

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

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