Not applying for Reception. Any handy advice please!!

[stmumschool]

My dd is 3.3years (only child atm) and does not attend nursery. We go to many other play activities including library, gym, swimming even the zoo!! Many friends are obviously getting their school applications in. We have looked at two very good schools (our local is over 800 pupils and not an option for us.) One is a tiny village school which seems lovely but I still want to wait until dd seems emotionally ready for school rather than going with the usual sept intake. It seems that the school will have places later as it is under-subscribed. I would love some advice from anyone home schooling a Reception age child. Dd will be too old for the toddler groups next year so we will have to fill more days ourselves. Where do you take your child to mix with other children? Our local HS group only meet once a month and there is only one other 3yr old. Please can you tell me how it works for you?

I'm interested in this too.

My son currently attends nursery, but I'm not entirely happy with it and dreading the transition to Reception next year.

Being too old for playgroups etc. is a concern, as I have a newborn who I would want to take to playgroups in the future.

You might want to check with your local toddler group if it would be a problem taking your older one. I ran a toddler group until mine were 5 and 7 and they came along. In fact, the 7yo told everyone she was a childminder... because we minded children. The group I help at now has an almost 6yo EHE child coming along with her 2yo sister. As long as they can behave sensibly, I don't see the problem (and see a lot of benefit of having mixed ages).

BTW, in my experience, adults may have a problem thinking about it in advance but very few children are not going to behave appropriately - they often like being the big one who can help. And you can capitalise on that.

BTW, an LA-run group may have issues, but a private group (e.g. in a church) is likely to be more flexible. (The one I am in has a rule that children stop at three, regardless of additional provision but I am chipping away at that! Apart from anything else, it is ridiculous - to me - that a church would suggest that a family unit is not the most appropriate carer.)

My eldest is 4.5. We still occasionally go to the toddler groups. He still enjoys going and the other kids enjoy having a "big brother" around. The adults running the group don't have a problem with it. We can't get to our local HE groups so we also have to make other arrangements. We visit the library and soft play which usually have a few children preschool age children hanging around. We also visit the playground when weather permits. Late afternoon is good for this one because of children coming out of school. He also does a couple of extra curricular activities.

I would just continue doing what you're doing. You and your daughter meet all kinds of people of all ages when you're out and about and that's probably some of the best socialization you can give her.

Thanks everyone. I may start my own get together group for under 5's. I have some good friends who have younger babies. Maybe I am stressing too much about the age thing. Plan to have another one ourselves and dd will be a lovely big sister and it will be good company for her at home.For info, If anyone lives Herts/Beds or London area I cannot praise the London/Whipsnade zoo membership enough!!This is our 2 year of being members and it is brilliant. Membership includes unlimited visits to BOTH zoos and free parking. I hadn't been to London zoo for years but it is terrific. For £100 and something for family membership its paid in about 3 visits. Thanks again all.