Starting school is a huge step and naturally, you want to know your child will be happy, confident and ready to thrive.
At Pulteney, we offer The Best Reception: a gentle, nurturing transition to school where every child is truly known, seen and supported.
Whether your child joins from Pulteney’s Early Learning Centre or from another early childhood setting, our focus is the same: to ensure they feel confident, prepared and ready to learn from the very beginning.
Importantly, your child’s Reception journey begins well before their first day.
“A unique feature at Pulteney is our dedicated Reception Transition Teacher, a specialist role designed to support each child’s individual pathway into school.” Jason Fay, Head of Junior School
“In the six to 12 months prior to Reception, children and families are gradually introduced to school life through a carefully structured transition experience,” Jason explains.
This includes building relationships early, connecting with each child’s current educators, and developing a clear understanding of their strengths, interests and individual needs.
Ms Jacqueline Lee, Reception Transition Teacher, says this approach ensures Reception is a continuation of each child’s learning journey, not a new beginning.
“By the time children begin their first day of school, they do so with excitement and confidence. They recognise familiar faces, understand routines and feel ready to engage in their learning.”
This thoughtful approach supports your child’s development across social, emotional and academic areas, providing a strong, confident start, focused not just on what children learn, but how they experience learning.
With small class sizes and experienced teachers, every child is individually supported, while play-based learning builds confidence, friendships and a love of learning. Specialist teachers enrich this further through Mandarin, science, physical education, art and music. Wellbeing sits alongside academic growth, helping children feel secure and capable now and into the future.
For many families, it’s this sense of care, connection and belonging that stands out most, because when a child feels like they belong, everything else follows.
If you’re thinking about your child’s start to school, there’s no better way to understand what makes Pulteney different than experiencing it for yourself.
Book a personalised tour or join a Principal’s Junior School Tour
pulteney.sa.edu.au
2026 Principal Tour Dates (ELC & Junior School)
Thursday 20 August
Wednesday 28 October
Limited places available for Reception & Mid-Year Reception 2027