what age will my dd be when she starts primary school reception?

[twik]

My dd was born in October 2002 so will be 3 in a month and 4 in October 2006. I can't for the life of me work out what will then follow in terms of her schooling. I know she can't do pre-school until the term after her 3rd birthday but then have heard conflicting things about when her reception year would begin. Some people say the Septembr before she's 3, some the one after.

Anyone enlighten me? We're London based if that makes a difference?

Ok, so shall I 'dumb down' dd before she starts then?

oh bgger - just read the latest posts. DS1 September baby - starts Reception on tuesday* (I double checked the letter and realised I was VERY close to sending him a day early ). He's a bright little spark, and seems to be getting brighter by the day.

Sat down watching Cbeebies this morning and he looked at the clock we've got above the fireplace (nothing fancy - DH's old office clock). And said -

"it's pointing to the 3"

me: "which hand darling"

him: "that one"

me (moving his arm left and right): "that hand or that hand."

him (moving his arm to the right) "THAT one"

me: "clever boy"

him: "the other hand is pointing to the 9"

me - speechless.

It was indeed Quarter past 9. And while he can read numbers I didn't realise he could work out those numbers from a clock with a similar type face to this - and he comes out with more things like that each day......better start dumbing him down too LOL

I wish I'd never said anything now - I don't want to make anyone worry!

I'm sure you're bright September babies will be fine in school; and turn out to be fantastic athletes too

it's ok roisin - I was only kidding (though still slightly gobsmacked by DS1 this morning)

and athletic - hmm I think not - it'll a miracle to turn him into an athelete I think

QoQ, so he's 4 this September that he's starting?

yes he's 4 now, but will be 5 in 10 days time

That'll be the same as dd then when she eventually starts Reception in 2007! Blimey, another 2 years from now ... She'll be writing her biography by then I'm expecting or at least have had a couple of exhibitions at Tate Modern...

What a momentous week for him QoQ: Starting school and fifth birthday! Hope you both enjoy the milestones!

I work as a volunteer classroom assistant in Early Years and all our little ones are grouped according to which term they start. However, each child is individually assessed on starting school and given work according to their level so any very bright sparks don't get switched off early on. Last term two very bright little girls did their numeracy work with the next group up for just that reason.

Oh rats - killed another thread!

Just so you dont feel bad KateF

Research shows that Autumn children are less likely to suffer from mental health problems and are more likely to be successful as adults. Of course that's only stats, but being amongst the eldest is supposed to be less challenging (in a good way!) My dd will turn five before she starts school on Thursday. She will almost certainly be both the oldest and biggest in her class!

I went to school with, and have also met, a few children who were put in the year above their normal age group because they were bright, and I think it's a really bad move because the emotional maturity isn't there. Also those children who are "hot housed" into doing exams/going to university early don't seem to do very well later on either. I think if they are not stretched enough at school it's probably better to develop other out of school interests like art or music or drama.

Having said that dd has not enjoyed her last few terms at her nursery as all her friends have left for school. She can't wait for next week!

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