Delaying starting school until year 1 - anyone done it? Post Reply

[lanmum]

Hi
I have a August born boy, which means he will start school a couple of weeks after his 4th birthday. I know I can defer him starting school for another year, so he could start just after he is 5, but he will go straight into year one.
I just wondered if anyone had experience of doing this? I'm really concerned he will not cope with 5 full days (he's exhausted after 3 hours of nursery at the moment) by September, but I hate the idea of him missing out on reception, getting used to school life in a more gentle way and bonding with all his classmates.
If anyone has deferred the start year of their child (who has therefore entered school straight into year 1 from nursery), I'd really appreciate your experience.
Thanks

[Sw11_123]

Hi there, my son started school when he was just 4 and whilst he has some tired days he has got an immense amount from it.

Looking at it now, if he were to go into yr 1 without having had a year of the reception it would have been a massive shock. I think yr 1 is where the real work starts and reception, whilst obviously teaching the children, is more based around understanding what being at school means.. From playing with friends to acting responsibly and making good choices.

What may seem like the nicest thing for you and your son at the moment may give you and him more head & heart ache later.

Plus, if he really is struggling talk to the school and he could finish early one day (as you say he doesn't legally need to be at school yet)

But in short.. No I haven't delayed my child from starting school!

[lanmum]

Hi, thanks for replying. I feel the same about reception (I have one child at school already) but to add to the mix, in a year or so we will be moving from London. So leaving him in nursery would mean that he wouldn't have to start big school and leave it for another school, which is another factor in my mind.

I have never heard of anyone postponing it, and worry about it being too big a jump from nursery to year 1 (although the nursery will get him up to speed as it's all early years curriculum), so really interested in hearing from anyone who has done it and their opinion of the pros and cons.
X

[kcai]

I have an August-born boy and thought about doing something similar. In my case, he was fine with starting Reception (and is currently doing very well in Y1).

What you could also consider is having him do half-days in Reception until he's ready for a full day. Look into flexi-schooling. Also, some schools are quite open to the idea of YR kids doing half-days, at least for the first half-term. Ours even let you collect them for lunch and bring them back for the afternoon session if you wanted.

[simplyme]

I haven't heard of anyone doing it and after seeing many children entering school(I am a nanny) I wouldn't recommend deferring. Reception is when the basics are learnt and where friendships are formed. In my experience children are tired when they first start school-deferring it wont change that. August babies do catch up to their peers quite quickly, generally.

A lot of schools off flexible starts and gradually increase the time theyre in. This drives a lot of people crazy but it might work for you. With my last charges the school offered you to either send them fulltime from the off or part time for the first 6wks. They could do 9-12 for first 3wks and then 9-1:15(so included lunch) the second 3wks. Then it was half term and then they went full time. Or just send him fulltime and if you see him becoming tired and struggling allow him to stay home sometimes for the first couple of months

[Annabel (admin)]

some posts deleted, lets keep it friendly everyone

[Club Creche]

Interesting thread.... My youngest now six has only this term started in class one at our local primary school. Before that she was at St Michael Steiner School and enjoying kindergarten. Sadly we moved as our school expanded and took an old rectory near Hanworth ( just too far for my girls to travel at the moment). So, my daughter started late as you guys are talking about. We have had no problems at all she is doing super well and racing ahead. fresh excited and ready to learn. I do realize that we are very lucky that she had an amazing kindi teacher and now has a wonderful teacher at her primary school who she adores. I suppose to some extent it depends on what you plan to do before they join class one. Time spent well will never be wasted with love and good luck to all parents working their way through the schooling system. All children are different and one size does not fit all! Melx