Nursery or Reception

[Mumofoneandanotherontheway]

First time for all this for us.
My Lo has been in nursery since 2 & he’s now 3 going 4 mid August. So we was told he would need to apply for a school which we did & he got accepted in the same one. It’s there last week at nursery this week & Ive just been told from one of the staff members that he could of actually stayed on at nursery 1 extra year! He’s very childish compared to some of the others that are moving up to reception & being 1 of the youngest I understand.

What’s best going forward now? The teacher is going to speak to the Head & see if this can be over turned and him stay on however she’s advised for me to discuss this with my partner so we can decide. We are both unsure what would be best?

Any Advise would be much appreciated x

It seems your son's teacher is taking a lead on this? It's an enormous decision to make for your son, with consequences for his entire school career, and really it's one you should be making yourself. If he does not have a developmental delay though, I struggle to see why you would want to hold him back a year? There will always be younger children in a class, this does not mean he will not thrive in Reception. There is a current thread on here called "Summer borns" where the arguments for and against delaying Reception are well-rehearsed.

There is a Facebook group called summer borns which might be helpful. It's worth noting that it's becoming more common for children who are summer born and especially those who are July or August birthdays to consider delaying starting reception until they are 5, perfectly legal, and in many situations the best things to do. Scotland allow some flexibility based on the time of year children are born and parents can then decide to send them as one of the oldest or youngest in their year. It's probably best to swot up but also follow the lead at your nursery, as they will have a good idea of what is typical for his age range and what would suit him best.

Remember it will vary across the country but some counties don’t allow delayed start and whilst others might allow it, the child misses out on Reception altogether or else has to catch up for secondary school so this could potentially put your son in a far worse position further down the line. Or it could be the best thing for him. It’s not something you can easily decide just like that.

My DD is summer born and I felt delaying her would disadvantage her further. It’s down to the individual child but I’m surprised your nursery hasn’t spoken to you before as they must be now saying your son is behind, which is something they should have been discussing with you for many months.

the child misses out on Reception altogether

That's no longer the case. A child can just delay starting reception for a year if they're born between 1 April and 31 August.

I really don’t know what to do. Would have appreciated knowing earlier so I have time to think about it.
She also mentioned how statistics show males born in summer don’t do aswell as males born between September - January

Overall he’s a quick learner & knows his shapes, colours, can say his numbers however sometimes misses out a certain number.
He’s very boisterous & doesn’t listen to instructions very well & has to keep being told to listen & follow Both at home & school.

Same time I think he will be okay moving into reception but at the same time think he could benefit from another year. Don’t want to hold him back either

He sounds like a normal kid to me. I'm sure he will be fine. Does he have friends in his current class who will move up with him?

Sounds very much where he should be to me, too.
Why would you want to hold him back, away from his peers ?
He clearly doesn't have a learning or developmental delay from your description, and the fact you've not mentioned special needs or additional support he's needed in Nursery.

When there is any 'cut off' then some are going to be younger and some older.
I wouldn't consider holding him back for a minute.