Thinking of deferring reception -pros/cons?

[yoda]

Our school allocation is due out soon and it is possible that we will not get either of our choices - and the default school is a definate no no.

Whilst talking to ds pre-school they mentioned that if I wanted he could stay there for another year, as the Foundation stage is the same wherever he went.

I quite like this idea, but wonder whether it would cause him problems later integrating in Y1.

Has anyone done this? and if so was it a good decision or bad?

The pre-school did mention that academically he is bright and will not struggle with that area, but that socially he is not as confident as other children of his age. This I agree with as he is an only child and such a gentle spirit.

Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

[LIZS]

Would there be other children his age remaining in the preschool or owudl eh be the eldest? Think it might be more of a shock socially and routine wise to go into an established Year 1 than to join with others in Reception.

[happystory]

You would also have to establish how difficult it would be to get into Y1. If the reception classes move up en masse as they normally do, there would be very few spare places. Of course it may be that the LEA are obliged to keep something for you
if you are deferring.
I think it's a very interesting point, espcially if LEAs have one-point entry, ie summer babies have to start in September. You don't HAVE to,legally, but people feel pressurised. And the poor old preschools are missing out too.

[frances5]

It probably doesnt occur to your son that all his friends would leave pre school.

The foundation stage taught in a school is completely different to a nursery. They learn the expectations of school and this just cant be taught in a nursery.

It is hard to forget that your little pre schooler will turn into a confident school boy. Reception teachers are very skilled.

[mummydear]

I would talk to your LEA as I dont think you would be able to just get into a preferred school in Yr1.

You may be able to go onto the waiting list of your prefered school but still sending him to another school.

I have a summer born DS who started school last Sept and he has come on in so many ways in respect of learning rules etc . He will be behind in his reading and writing etc for a while as he is so young . But recpetion yr at school is about more than learning to read and write.

[mummydear]

Also there is a big leap from Yr r to Yr1 in respect of them having to sit more at tables and expected to be far more independant.

If he went from pre school into Yr 1 then I think this change may cause more problems.

I have one Ds in Yr1 and one DS in Reception .

[inhindsight]

Hi Yoda,
You said you like the idea of ds staying another year at pre-school,so go with your gut instinct
If your ds is happy in pre-school, then leave him there for another year. Kids learn so much from playing and just being happy.
In a years time he will be so much more mature and confident and will have no trouble adapting to "real" school.(YR 1)
Dont worry that he is missing out on "learning" or will lose his friends.. He will make new friends.
There have been a vast amount of studies showing that children do not benefit academically or socially because they are sent to school early. In fact it is the opposite
Good luck in whatever you decide.