Outcomes and Indicators of a Positive Start to School is world-leading research. It provides the
first evidence to support an understanding of how to measure the outcomes and indicators of a
positive transition to school.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) commissioned this
research to examine the application of an outcomes measurement of a positive transition to
school and build upon the findings of an earlier project that identified these outcomes for
children, their families and educators (Nolan, Hamm, McCartin and Hunt, 2009). The evidence
is clear that children’s readiness, transition and initial adjustment to school is critical for their
development, wellbeing and progress throughout the school years. This evidence has informed
a number of Victorian State Government policies and initiatives and much has been learnt about
transition processes. However, until recently, little research had examined what a positive start
to school looks like for children, families and educators.