Good news for parents from a new longitudinal study, which shows most children starting school are doing well.

A new report released today looks into what factors affect a child's success in starting school.

The Growing up in New Zealand report found the majority of children transitioned well into primary school.

However, some kids struggle with the transition.

Report co-author and University of Auckland professor Susan Morton says the 20 per cent who struggle face problems with social connections, rather than academic challenges.

She says if the child had a known disability or spoke a language other than English, the transition could take longer.

LISTEN ABOVE AS SUSAN MORTON SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING