To worry about late August DS starting school..

[RubiksCubey]

My son is born in late august and he is starting school this September.

I am really worried about his "school readiness".

He is very hyper and chatty, which is fine. But I am wondering if I should be focussing more on activities to get him ready and prepare him.

For example:
I haven't forced any formal phonics and numbers learning on to him, when it comes up in play we have a little practice.

At the moment he is still only 3, and he doesn't enjoy too much "sit down and focus" activities.
I try to do some of this to encourage his focus like the Orchard Games or craft activities.

I don't really want to, I want to leave him to free play and explore, as I know children, particularly boys, are not "school ready" for another couple of years, but that doesn't change the expectation in the UK 

I worry he will start school and be upset or be told off for not doing as is expected, or not being able to do as expected.

YABU - He should be school ready

YANBU - He should be encouraged his free play and the rest he will pick up

Our primary was very happy with a part time start. That was years ago, imagine there’ll be even more flexibility now.
Mornings for half a term, then mornings and lunch with full time the next term. Worked brilliantly.

Following this because also have an end of aug baby (31st 11pm!!) and we're worried but not sure what to do. School aren't a fan of delaying a year. His speech is not great but not bad enough for the speech therapist to be too worried. Can't get him yet to dress himself consistently, put shoes on. Recently started pre school and they're helping to get him ready but will keep us updated if they don't think he is. After speaking with elder sons reception teacher last year she said she really doesn't notice that much difference between the younger and elder in the classes, only think really would be writing and holding a pencil but that they learn that quick and all tend to level out.

My summer born is in reception at the moment. She’s very capable and starting was right for her but....

• we have a heavy autumn born year and there isn’t an even distribution. At least 10 had birthdays in sept and October. Mine is very aware that the majority of the children are 5 and have been for months.

• a year makes quite a difference. Mine has noticed there are some things the older ones are just better at like drawing and colouring.

Jacket on/off, shoes, dressed for pe, recognising his own name (don't worry if he can't), using cutlery etc are more important skills to have in starting school. Enjoy being his mum and don't worry about being his teacher too. Sometimes it is better for them to come to school not knowing phonics as if it is taught differently or incorrectly it can be counter productive. What you have done sounds perfect (including things he asked about in play). You will be amazed how much your child picks up in their first year of school.

He does go to pre-school so at least he's had the chance to be around other children, and follow the routines they have. And along with just general play at home and the practical skills we work on with dressing/eating etc should get him off to a good start!
He is quite confident so I'm sure if he does need any help at school he'd be sure to ask!

My DD is late August going to school in sept too. If you want to add in some learning, I really rate 5 minute mum - she's on Facebook and insta and has a ready for school book coming out. Today I put 1-9 Peggy puzzle numbers on the floor and we threw hoops over them and talked about what the number was and put them in order as we got them.

The older children do have an advantage and this continues throughout their education. A higher proportion of Oxbridge students have birthdays in the autumn tem than later in the school yesr.

Term and year*

Op, I can relate. Both my children are summer birthdays. My youngest being a late July birthday and she is the youngest in her class and she’s also speech delayed and I was worried sick when she was starting. I did consider starting her a year later but decided to keep her with her friends from the pre school she went to.

Anyway, best decision I ever made was sending her. She wasn’t ready for school but the school reassured me they are well prepared for this and the previous year 75 percent were summer birthdays. I’m not sure how many are in dd’s year group.

She started in September 2019 so I appreciate it was before things for tricker with covid but she’s come on leaps and bounds. She didn’t know any phonics when she started, didn’t recognise her name or anything but she’s doing amazing.

Schools are well equipped for a wide range of ages and abilities.

There is still so much playing in reception!

For both of my children the first term of school they learnt so much.

I was so worried about then starting but looking back it was amazing for them. My two come on so much more than they ever did at pre school.