School readiness assessment
Starting school is an important moment in a child's development and in the life of the whole family. It requires not only specific cognitive skills, but also appropriate emotional, social and physical maturity.
A school readiness assessment at age 5–6 makes it possible to evaluate whether a child is prepared to begin school and how they may function in a new, more demanding educational environment.
During the assessment, the specialist analyses various areas of the child's development, including language, cognitive, emotional and social competencies. This allows for a better understanding of their abilities, strengths and areas that may require additional support before starting school. The aim of the assessment is to help parents make an informed decision about starting school and to prepare the child for this stage in a calm way that is appropriate to their individual pace of development.
When is it worth carrying out a school readiness assessment?
The assessment is most commonly carried out in the final year of nursery, a few months before the child is due to start school. This is the optimal time to evaluate the child's development across different areas and — if needed — to plan any supportive measures.
Pogłębiona diagnoza bywa szczególnie pomocna, gdy rodzice lub nauczyciele mają wątpliwości dotyczące gotowości dziecka do rozpoczęcia nauki szkolnej. Dotyczy to sytuacji, w których pojawiają się trudności w zakresie mowy, koncentracji, funkcjonowania społecznego lub motoryki. Często diagnoza wykonywana jest również u dzieci z wcześniejszą diagnozą rozwojową, taką jak ADHD, zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu czy opóźnienia rozwoju mowy. Może być także wsparciem dla rodzin, które rozważają odroczenie obowiązku szkolnego lub prowadzą edukację domową.
How does the school readiness assessment work?
The diagnostic process consists of several stages that allow for the most thorough possible assessment of the child's functioning.
Parental interview
The first stage is a conversation with the parents or caregivers. During the meeting, the specialist gathers information about the child's development to date, their functioning at nursery, how they manage in different social situations and any difficulties observed by the parents.
If a consultation with a pedagogue has already taken place recently, the interview may be shortened or omitted.
Observation and assessment of the child
During the next session, the specialist observes the child during play and while completing various tasks adapted to their developmental age.
The assessment covers, among other things:
readiness to learn reading, writing and numeracy
visual and auditory perception
spatial and body awareness
ability to concentrate
understanding of instructions
ability to construct responses and answer questions
Standardised diagnostic tools are used in the assessment, including the School Readiness Assessment Card (KOGS).
Discussion of assessment results
Following analysis of the results, a meeting takes place with the parents, during which the specialist presents the findings of the assessment. Parents receive information about the child's strengths and areas that may require additional support.
Recommendations regarding further steps that can help the child prepare for starting school are also discussed during the meeting.
Organisational information
Cost of full assessment
1,000 PLN
+250 PLN pre-diagnostic appointment
Number of sessions
The diagnostic process typically consists of 3 sessions:
- consultation and parental interview (pre-diagnostic appointment)
- 3 diagnostic sessions (observation and assessment of the child's competencies)
- summary meeting with parents including discussion of results and recommendations
Duration of sessions
Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Diagnostic tools
The assessment is conducted using standardised diagnostic tools, including the School Readiness Assessment Card (KOGS).
Child's age
The school readiness assessment is intended for children aged 5–7 who are preparing to start school.
Assessment results
After the process is complete, parents receive:
- a detailed discussion of the assessment findings
- information about the child's strengths
- identification of areas requiring support
- recommendations regarding further development or possible therapy
Written report
On request, a written diagnostic report can be prepared, which may be helpful in conversations with the educational institution.
A formal assessment accepted by schools, educational guidance centres, the National Health Fund (NFZ) and the Central Examination Board (CKE) is optional and carries an additional charge of 250 PLN.
How to prepare for the assessment?
To ensure the assessment runs smoothly and gives the best possible picture of the child's functioning, it is worth bringing documents and materials to the appointment that may be helpful in the conversation with the specialist.
Useful items may include the child's artwork, their health record book, previous assessments or specialist test results, and a report from nursery. It can also be helpful to prepare a list of questions or concerns about the child's development.
How to prepare the child for the appointment?
For many children, meeting a specialist is a new experience, so it is worth calmly explaining in advance what the appointment might look like. You can explain that during the meeting the child will talk, play and complete various tasks that will help the specialist get to know their skills better.
The most important thing is to create an atmosphere of calm and safety — the child does not need to prepare in any special way or pass any tests.
The role of parents in the assessment process
Parents are the most important source of knowledge about the child's everyday functioning. Their observations help in understanding in which situations the child manages well and where they may need additional support.
That is why sharing observations, asking questions and actively participating in the conversation with the specialist are so important in the assessment process. Collaboration between parents and the specialist allows for a thorough assessment and the planning of further steps to support the child's development.
What comes next after the assessment?
Depending on the results of the assessment, parents may receive guidance on supporting the child at home, suggested exercises to develop specific skills, or a recommendation for further specialist consultation.
The aim is to create the best possible conditions for the child to start school and to support their development in a way that is tailored to their individual needs.
Have a question?
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