school starting age

[vix44]

My 3 year old will turn 4 in May and being starting school in September. Im worried about the transition from nursery (4 mornings a week) to full time school (8.30 till 3.30). Does anyone have any thoughts or tips on how to make the transition an easier one? Should I perhaps think about deferring a year (4 seems so so young to be starting full time education)? Does anyone have any thoughts on homeschooling? thanks!

We home educate, vix, and now that I have a 6.5yo and a 5yo I am so glad I did, and if I hadn't, I hope I would have sent them to school later rather than earlier. I can see they've clearly thrived from being able to learn things when the time's right for them. When they learn things when they're ready, it's very quick but it can take ages if they're forced to learn things too young (e.g. reading) and it can put them off it completely.

There is a home eduation topic on mumsnet - if you're interested, I'd ask there.

Incidentally, in a lot of countries children don't start school until they're 7, as they recognise that that is the best time for them to start formal education.

yes, come across to the home ed section - we are very friendly!

4 seemed too young for my oldest to me, we are home edding and have never looked back! We might try school later, but it doesn't seem very appealing to any of my family weighed against a HE lifestyle!

Your child does not need to go to school full time. Obviously it's better if you can work in collaboration with the school, but it they do not offer enough flexibility for you, you can simply tell them that your child will be attending part time for the first couple of terms, or until you think they are ready for full time.

Alterntatively, you can accept the school place, and then defer it until the start of the summer term. You must take the place up in the summer term, or the school do not have to hold the place open for you.

Your school may well have settling in procedures. If your child were to go to the school my DC go to, they would go part time from September for two terms and then be full time in the summer term.