Sending 4yo to reception

[mollythewad]

Hi,

My 4yo is due to start reception next week. She's summer born and so legally doesn't have to be in school until September next year. We also have a 4 month old at home so I am on maternity leave until the spring. I am really torn about whether to send her into school or not. Everything I read about this virus not really affecting children is based on 5-14yo's and I can't find any information at all about the under 5s. Has anyone read any articles about the under 5s or under 1s?

TIA

Saw this article the other week:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/28/vanishingly-small-risk-of-death-or-severe-illness-for-children-from-covid?CMP=ShareiOSAppp_Other

Absolutely send her. It's really important for her to mix with kids her own age and will be much more disruptive to start later in the year when she will have missed so much.
The virus doesn't affect children in the same way as adults. The risks are tiny.

My daughter (summer born just turned 4) started back yesterday. She came out saying she had “the bestest good day ever”. She absolutely loved it and it was 100% the right decision for us.

It would do her more damage than good not going!

You might be anxious, but this virus is here too stay. What will you do next year when you are in the same position?!!

As far as I can see, and I’ve looked at a lot of data, a healthy 2-5 year old is (statistically speaking) the least likely age to be affected badly .

A good start to school is so important.

Send her. She will miss out on a lot if you don't.

we haven't sent back to school so understand your worries OP.

As she is summer born there is an option of deferring start date till next September. You have to apply and there is no guarantees but its definitely possible

Nobody knows. It seems the risks are low but it’s very new. Nobody really knows. People will decide they know. If she’s happy as she is I’d be tempted to sit tight for a bit and maybe try some socially distanced play dates. And may he keep an eye on local numbers, there are some good links and maps showing the diagnosed cases in your area on the data analysis threads.
The only thing I do know is that nobody is better placed to work out what it is best for your family than you - go with your gut and good luck.

I know your concern is Covid but I think the research suggests children of this age aren’t really affected and if so not badly. My concern would be is my 4year old actually ready for full time school? I consider this with hindsight. My eldest DS is an August baby he went to school full time 4years and 2days old, I didn’t even give a thought to not sending him. Looking back he was no way ready. This has had a knock on effect throughout his education. He ended up repeating year 11 and now on track.

I'm in almost the same position - Young 4 year old, 11 week old baby etc and I've sent him. He needs to be round other children and have that input, he's getting frustrated at home and I'm absolutely worn out. I think the risk is minimal for 4 year olds.

@happylittlechick

Absolutely send her. It's really important for her to mix with kids her own age and will be much more disruptive to start later in the year when she will have missed so much. The virus doesn't affect children in the same way as adults. The risks are tiny.

Just as a counter point to this, I had one who started later and it was great for them, really benefitted and zero issues with starting later.

There's a lot of pressure to send them in, but if you do your research there are arguments on both sides.

Mine is starting now at CSA so 5yo.
Delay till csa.
he walked in and said there's 10. It was dice with 6 and 4. He wouldnt have said that last year.
He did this year
Learn to swim
Cycle
Gained independence.

And would have had twice the time in preschool without covid.

If not Apr is ok but you will need to teach phonics including digraphs and blending. Read books up to band blue. And be able to write sentence.

If you want to look at your options for delaying there’s a Facebook group flexible school admissions for summer borns

I would consider delaying, not because of the risks of covid, but because of the benefits of being the oldest vs the youngest in the year. This year might be especially tricky if your dd has missed lots of preschool, and has spent a lot of time with you. And there will be less opportunities for parents to visit the classroom, making settling more difficult. You are lucky that you have the flexibility to keep her at home during your maternity leave if you want to.

However only you can say how ready your dd is for school and whether she would be bored by another year at home. My DC were both autumn born and were both utterly bored of preschool stuff by the time they started school.

Thanks all. Particularly @APurpleSquirrel that really put my mind to rest. I decided to send her last week and we went to the first few settling in sessions. Then she developed a fever so we had to try and get a test (which was a nightmare) eventually got one. And she was negative thank goodness however the lack of access to tests means that she won't be going in this winter. I honestly don't understand how the government can insist children need to go back but haven't set up easy access to testing once they present with high temperatures which most children starting school or nursery have every other week. x

I have a 4 month too and
My DS started reception this morning.
He really needed it. Its my first day alone with my daughter too and I didnt realise how much I needed this too.

I think you've made a good decision.

Dd2 is 5 next week and will start school in January (in Aus). Dd1 started school in the UK and had summer born friends who really struggled until about year 2.

I also have a 4 month old and a child starting reception tomorrow. However my 7 year old had a fever at the weekend so we are awaiting a test result 😫

Absolutely send her in!

Op i had very similar experience (im in SW). Both mine went in and eldest got a sore throat/runny nose/temp. And yes testing was a nightmare. She was ill friday night tested today. So realistically minimum of 5d off.
I think im keeping them both off. Because the only vague thing protecting anyone is testing to close bubbles but that isnt happening.
Also wtf would we trust them about needing nhs help if we get seriously ill? If they cant stop everyone getting ill at school?

I just wish they would allow HE without deregistering.
But anyway ive had no reply even from school. I dont like their attitude as they are increasing bubbles to 60. Even though ive said we are waiting for results...