youngest in the class

[coffeebean]

I have just put ds1 name down for local primary school. because his birthday is end of august he will only just be 4 when he starts and will be youngest in class - can / should i defer him starting for a year - what are advantages / disadvantages? any ideas or similiar experiences?

I've heard this can be more of an issue for boys than girls which is not great new for me as ds3 is August 29th.

I'm hoping that the fact that he will have been to nursery (just mornings at a sessional nursery) since around 2 and that we socialise with lots and lots of other children all week (friends through ds1 and ds2) will mean that he's quite used to the social aspect and also the 'structural' aspect in that he'll have been to preschool and already have been starting on writing, numbers etc.

We'll see - my brother was Aug 29th and did fine. I'm Sept 8th and sailed through school but don't know if that's to do with being the eldest, a girl, just my nature, or a combination of all!

It's all down to the individual isn't it - I think I'd rather not defer ds3 if I can help it as I'd like him to start with all his peers (and the sooner I get my mornings in front of Philip and Fern back, the better )

DD was born on 29th August.Even though she won't be starting until Sept 07 I put her name down for primary school yesterday.She will only just be four,so I'm wondering if she will be ok.The school is out of our catchment area,so I daren't defer her place in case she can't get in later-it is the school I went to & has a great reputation,but only has 15 places free for her year.

I have put her down for their pre school as well,which she can stat at 2.5,so hopefully that will prepare her.

Sis and I were born on 27th August too and we were the youngest in the year. I was always top and sis was always near the bottom - so i think it really depends on the child.