Summer babies starting school

[Cosywinter]

I'm getting quite stressed about my DS starting school, this is still some time away but it's just on my mind at the moment! He was born in early August and I REALLY don't want him to start school when he has just turned 4 and everyone else will be 5, can I keep him back for a year and start the year after?

I think you are jumping the gun a bit. He could change a lot in the next 8 months, does he attend a preschool/nursery ? Remember teachers really do have expericne of dealing with younger children as well as older. Do the schools you are applying for offer a more gentle introduction for summer children , part time or later start date perhaps. You can't simply delay by a full year as he would miss Reception and go staright into year 1 , which is a more formal regime, with his peer group. The school also are udner no obligation to hold open a place so he would be offered wherever there is a vacancy rather than apply with rpefernces. However you may be able to accept a place in Reception but ask them to defer until Summer term.

Hiya, I have a June born DS who was due to start last September. In our opinion he was not ready to start school and I requested that he start school in January. He has been there for a month now and absolutely loves it and has settled in brilliantly.

Pros are that they get some time at playschool being the big boy (will be the only time they get this) which helps build confidence. My DS got 'rising 5's' which was a more formal learning time at playschool doing structured activities with a teacher. Gave him time to build upon his speech and language in a setting he felt safe in. When DS started he had so much fuss and attention from the staff and kids it was wonderful. He has had a staggered start and next week goes full time.

Cons are that they miss out on all the ground rules etc that they are all taught from the beginning. Socialising may be a problem but wasn't for my DS because about 50% of his playschool were in the same class! Kids started to learn their phonics and unless you know how to teach this to them they can get left behind with this. I made sure I did phonics with my DS and he has gone in knowing about 16 of the letter sounds and the teacher is chuffed to bits.

As you can see there are pros and cons to both but I don't regret my decision to defer him but it is a personal choice based on your child, not anyone else's. Talk to the school beforehand and tell them your worries, chances are they will put your mind at rest. If you really are convinced he isn't ready, stick to your guns and defer for a term.

8 months is a long time but you will probably need to make your decision shortly as we had to have our forms in before Easter. My honest advice is to have a chat with your DS's preschool and your prospective school before you make your final decision.

Am sure all will be just fine and wishing you lots of luck