Free 9-week school readiness program for children aged 4+ delivered by Cumberland City Council in partnership with the Samah Project. Mondays 10:00–12:00 at Auburn Centre for Community.
Monday 2 February 2026
to Monday 30 March 2026
10:00am - 12:00pm
44A Macquarie Rd, Auburn NSW 2144, Australia
Free
Get your child confident and excited for their first year of school with this friendly, free program at Auburn. This school readiness program uses playful learning to build alphabet awareness, phonics, number sense and independence—perfect for parents who want practical early learning support and a smooth transition to primary school.
Over nine weekly sessions held each Monday, children will take part in structured yet playful activities that focus on early literacy and numeracy skills. Expect short, hands-on games, story time, and small group activities designed to keep little learners engaged and curious about school.
Sessions are delivered in a nurturing environment by experienced facilitators from Cumberland City Council in collaboration with the Samah Project, with a focus on alphabet recognition, basic phonetic sounds and number play. Parents can watch, ask questions and take home simple strategies to continue learning at home.
Activities emphasise independence and social confidence so children learn routines like listening, taking turns and packing their bag—skills that make that first school morning far less stressful for you.
Who this is for: children aged 4 years and above who are preparing to start school, particularly families looking for early learning support and school readiness strategies. Sessions are suitable for a range of abilities and celebrate small steps of progress.
What to bring and wear: comfortable clothing, enclosed shoes and a water bottle. The program encourages practical independence, so children practice simple self-care tasks during sessions.
Format and outcomes: weekly 2-hour sessions (10:00–12:00) over nine weeks, focusing on alphabet, phonics, early numeracy and social routines. By the end, many children show improved confidence, early literacy skills and readiness for the school day.
The program takes place at Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road, Auburn — a convenient central location with easy access for local families and nearby parking. The venue is family-friendly and set up for small-group learning.
If you have accessibility needs or require interpreting assistance, Cumberland City Council provides support services on request; contact details are listed on the council website or call their customer service team for help. Public transport options and a venue map are available on the Auburn Centre for Community page.
Please arrive a few minutes early to settle your child and complete any sign-in procedures; regular attendance helps children get the full benefit of the program.
Places are limited and bookings are essential; sessions are capped to ensure attentive facilitation and a calm learning environment. This program is free but requires prior registration through the council's booking system or Eventbrite link.
The program runs Mondays from 2 February 2026 to 30 March 2026, 10:00 to 12:00. Sessions are designed with child safety in mind; children must be supervised during arrival and pick-up and wear enclosed shoes for activities.
If your child has additional needs, allergies or health concerns, please advise organisers when booking so staff can prepare and ensure a safe, inclusive session for everyone.
Cost: Free. Bookings are essential and can be made via the council's events booking page or the Eventbrite link associated with the event; please read Eventbrite's privacy policy when using that external service. Limited spaces mean early booking is recommended to secure your child's place.
To book, contact Cumberland City Council customer service on 8757 9000 or use the council events booking page. If you need help with bookings or require assistance, the Translating and Interpreting Service is available on request to connect you with council staff.
If you cannot attend after booking, please cancel or notify organisers to free the spot for another family. The program is free but places are limited, so courtesy cancellations are appreciated.
