August Child - When to start school?

[TJUK]

Hi guys! Can anyone help, I'm a worried woman! I'm really concerned regarding the school place my daughter has been given in September 2010. The schools we wanted were oversubscribed (and out of area) however I have serious concerns about the allocated one. As my daughter is an August child,I have been told she does not have to start school until the term after her 5th birthday. We are going to move (hopefully into catchment for one of our prefered schools)this summer.If I postpone her start date from Sept 2010 to Sept 2011, is it possible to reapply for a school place for my daughter to start reception class aged 5 in 2011? If not, does this mean my daughter will miss reception class and we will have to take our chances finding a year one place in schools which are very oversubscribed already. What can I say I?m confused, any advise gratefully received..Tx

[Furball]

your daughter (or dd as known here (dear/darling daughter)) can legally start in reception the term they turn 4.

So in your case will be Receptions Easter term (april time)

You need to secure a place at the school as if they were starting in September, then agree with the school your intentions.

She cannot start reception a year later, if she does she will end up going straight into year 1. Which INMO is worse as friendships and routines will be missed.

your dd can do just mornings if she struggles.

Ring your Education Authority and ask them about apply for a school that you haven't yet moved near. You may find they won't want to know until it's more imminent. (sp?)

My august ds is now in year 4 and I had the same worries aboout starting school at 4.0 but, he's fine, you can't pick out the younger ones now.

the teacher has the same situation every year with august child, so will be experienced.

[prh47bridge]

Your daughter does not legally have to start school until the term after her 5th birthday. However, as Furball says, if you wait a year she will go straight into year 1. Any school which is full up now is likely to still be full for year 1 next September so your choice is unlikely to get any better.

You should get your daughter onto the waiting list for your preferred school(s). When you move, that will affect your place on the waiting list. The LA will want evidence that you have moved. Find out what they want and make sure you provide it as soon as possible.

You also have the option of appealing. Your chances of success depend on whether it is an infant class size appeal. If the admission number for your preferred schools is a multiple of 15, an appeal would probably be an infant class size appeal which you are unlikely to win (although you can still try). If the admission number is not a multiple of 15, it will probably be an ordinary appeal where your chances of success are much better.

[TJUK]

Thanks for all your help guys, Tx

[Furball]

Sorry TJUK - I cocked up me first line - it should read

your daughter (or dd as known here (dear/darling daughter)) can legally start in reception the term they turn 5