Is is necessary to know how to write your name as a pre-requisite to school?

I don't think so..
Have a look at this list below, nowhere does it say: learn to write your name independently.

 Overall Goals.

School readiness.

Implications for practice:  Intentional teaching practices: (Background)

Emotionally supportive.

Fosters social, emotional and regulatory skills.

Promotes early literacy and maths skills. (Rethinking school Readiness.  www.rch.org.au/ccch/policybriefs.cfm 2008).

‘The key factor in promoting children’s school readiness in all environments… is the nature of the relationships they experience’. 

Intentional Teaching Practices :

. encouraging children’s participation in group games and experiences.

.talking positively to children about starting school.

.encouraging independence in all areas of self care.

. helping children to use pencils, crayons, textas, scissors and glue unassisted.

. reading with children.

. ICT skills. 

(www.ncac.gov.au Australian Government, 2008).

Kidscreative.