Full time start - reception- September

[T0rt0ise]

Hello,
In various threads people have stated 'school's have a requirement to take receptipn children full time from September'. Has anyone actually found this legislation? Trying to persuade the school to take my son full time from the start rather than 3 weeks of transition,
Thanks

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1001050/School_admissions_code_2021.pdf

You don’t need to persuade the school - send a polite email informing that your DC will be attending full time schooling from x date

Schools do this to help children settle well, learn routines etc. if you’re confident your child will settle in a new setting with new adults and children then go for it. Be aware though that they might be the only one there all day. Gradual admission is research based and still viewed as the most child centred practice.

When DT’s started - the majority of the classes started full time from day one. As DT’s had been at nursery full time from six months old, they had no issues starting school (4 years and two months old). They also did breakfast and after school club from day one. A staggered start would have been very unsettling and we didn’t have anyone to look after them during a staggered start.

Thankfully less schools are doing staggered starts, in part I think as parents are realising it’s unnecessary.

I think what you are looking for is the school adjudicator’s 2013 ruling.

Your child is entitled to attend school, full-time, from the start of the September following their fourth birthday.

Whatever the school is saying (including the emotive points about how this is the best thing for your child), you as a parent are entitled to decide. For many families, the best thing for a child is a steady pattern of school attendance which enables their parents to partake in paid employment.

If you want to send your child full time from day one you are entitled to do so, and if the school says no, then remind the head about the 2013 ruling and offer to take it up with the LEA or your MP.

I have done this myself. PM me if you’d like more details or help with drafting a letter to the head.

Great, found it, thank you 😊