Delaying start to primary school. Is it allowed??

Blakeys mum · Postby **Blakeys mum** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:28 pm

Thank you very much for posting this information. I have been concerned about my son who is in a similar situation to your daughter - he would be starting two months after his fourth birthday and he is, although perfectly normal, a slower developer than all of his peers. I know for a fact that starting this early would be detrimental to his confidence and security so thanks for the info

Blakeys mum · Postby **Blakeys mum** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:29 pm

PS I meant to comment - isnt missing reception and starting Y1 somewhat of a solution? Because the year in between means the children have more time to develop and be ready to start schooling...?

Blakeys mum · Postby **Blakeys mum** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:32 pm

Oh sorry I just re read that and understand now..... hmmm. Thats a worry!

metoo · Postby **metoo** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 9:58 am

This isn't too outlandish a request. Speak to the school. My son was 4 on the 17th Aug which means he would have barely been 4 for 2 weeks when he started school so I asked the school if he could start in January - some allow this while others don't . Reception teachers aren't keen on this option as they like the children to have induction and orientation all at once. The extra term at an external nursery really helped my little boy but I do know some children who found it harder to make friends as little groups had already been formed (same goes for the parents unfortunately!) , also my son was left off the list of a few birthday parties.

DinosMom · Postby **DinosMom** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 10:06 am

This has worried me since we are American and children start a year later there. But the Waldorf (Steiner School) that we are starting tomorrow (preschool) is basically preschool/kindergarten until age 5 or 6. There is also the option of homeschooling if your child is not ready.

marypoppins · Postby **marypoppins** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:42 pm

My daughter had an August birthday and she stayed a whole year longer in pre school and started the following september. This was in a catholic school but not a fee paying one. I understand that the headmaster was allowed discretion to allow this or not and that the state school did not have the same flexibility. My daughter really enjoyed her extra year at home/ pre school and was much more mature by the following year.