When you enrol your child in school for the first time you will need to have a number of items ready to go.

To start off you’ll need to present your child’s birth certificate, and it is highly likely that the school will want to see an immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register.

Living circumstances aren’t always simple, and if either of the child’s natural parents isn’t the primary caregiver you’ll also need to provide a copy of any family law documents.

To prove the child’s address you can present something like a current rental lease, a recent rates notice or a utility bill that verifies the address. This must be in the primary caregiver’s name. 

The child doesn’t actually need to be an Australian citizen to enrol in an Aussie school, but you will need to remember their passport, visa and any other related documentation that demonstrated their presence is legal.

It is also important that you inform the school of any allergies or medical conditions. Documentation from a medical practitioner may be necessary for this. Providing such documentation will not only help with prevention, but also swifter and more appropriate treatment in an emergency.

If your child is living with a disability or has any special support needs the school needs to know about that too.

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As Education NSW says: “Discuss additional support in your child’s local school as well as support class and SSP (schools for specific purposes) placement with the principal of your local school.”

The last thing isn’t a document, but a decision. Have a think about whether you wish for your child’s name to be publishable. 

Weigh up any concerns you or your partner have with regards to internet privacy against the psychological effect on your child from having their participation and achievements recognised publicly.