To think that, actually, children start school at age 4 in Wales, the same as England?

[YWurri]

We have friends in Wales who have small children. When they're still only two years old, they start going on about how they can't believe their baby is starting school soon. They say kids have to start SCHOOL age 3 there, so have always believed it.

Have looked into it, and no, they can start preschool/nursery the term after their 3rd birthday (around 10hrs a week for free), but compulsory school age is the term after a child turns 5, though most start the Sept after they turn 4.

I only had a quick Google and found these

citizens advice

British council

I've spoken to them and tried to say it's not school they're starting, but PRE School, and that their child doesn't HAVE to go (8.45am - 11am Mon-Fri, term time only) but they're having none of it.

Is it normal in Wales to think this? Or are my mates unusual?

In cardiff BTW and we call it school regardless of of its Nursery

This made me laugh, this is still a thing and it’s a load of rubbish. My little boy turns 3 in September but to everyone i know he’s going to “school” in September which he isn’t because it’s nursery/pre school and wales is shocking for any wrap around care etc to help any parents who actually have 9-5 jobs and commute 🙄. So he’s staying in private nursery with the same funded hours the school would get 🤣.