Starting School in England

[MumEve]

My sister and her husband will be moving from Switzerland to England with their almost seven year old daughter. In Switzerland my neice hasn't yet started school and attends a 'kitte' which is like an informal nursery of mixed ages. Do any mumsnet members know offhand what the situation will be in England for her - will she join in with her 6 or 7 year old classmates or will she be put back with the younger children due to the fact that she has had no 'formal' education as yet? Thanks.

If she attends a state school she will be put with children of the same age - most local authorities have no flexibility whatsoever. She will receive extra help if she needs it - but your friend shouldn't worry - her child will soon catch up.
Most Private schools have a more flexible attitude if you're prepared to pay for the privilege.

Would it be worth starting to teach her to read and write in Switzerland so she finds the transition easier (time permitting of course)?