As per the title:
Dear [MP],
I am concerned about the inflexibility of the school admissions process for summer-born children in England.
Section 8 of the Education Act 1996 states:
"A person begins to be of compulsory school age when they attain the age of five"
The important words here are;
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"a person"
Each child is a person in their own right and deserves to be treated as such and the child's best interests are what should be driving any admissions discussion. Not what the admissions authority administrative system wants to happen for its convenience. And;
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"compulsory school age"
Summer-born children don't reach this until the September term after they have turned five.
Reception class is defined by Section 142 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 as:
"A class in which education is provided which is suitable to the requirements of pupils aged five and any pupils under or over that age whom it is expedient to educate with pupils of that age".
Reception Class is therefore aimed at children aged five, yet parents are being forced to enrol their child a whole year earlier than compulsory school age or have their child's education entitlement reduced by one year with obligatory entrance into Year 1, completely missing Reception Class.
When forced to enrol at just four years old, these children NEVER reach compulsory school age during their attendance during that academic year.
There is a wealth of empirical evidence that clearly demonstrates the harm that can be done to summer-born children should they start school too early.
The current system of inflexible cut off dates for school entry does not allow for the normal range of children's development, every child is different after all and needs to be considered in that light if their best interests are to be ensured.
Administrative constraints take precedence over the well-being and future life chances of a substantial number of our youngest children.
I would like to see admissions authorities adopt a more flexible approach so that parents are given more choice, to enable them, if they so wish, to enrol their child in school after they reach the age of five and in Reception Class.
I would be grateful if you could raise these concerns with Rt Hon David Laws MP, Minister of State for Schools.
Yours sincerely
[Name]
[Adress]
[Contact Number]
[Constituency] Constituent