Those in Spain (or other EU countries) and starting school early

[bebespain]

I am in Spain and children are eligible to start infant school the year they turn 3. Even though DS isn´t 3 til mid December he can start this coming Sep, he will be one of the youngest if not the youngest.

I am dead against him going and although it isn´t obligatory it does seem to be the norm to send DC to school as soon as possible.

I wonder if anyone else has kept their DC at home and if so has this had consequences for getting a place a year or two down the line.

I think I am worried that by going against the majority, in-laws etc that I will end up putting myself out on a limb and ultimately end up with egg on my face.

I just feel DS is far too young, its full days too, no flexibility either and I only see negatives by him going at such a young age.

Children in their third year definitely need friends!!!

Another one in Spain here... I'm in Barcelona and have one dd in second year of state primary (she's 5).

I was horrified at the though of her starting school so young, and at having such a long day (9-12.30 and 3.30-5), she comes home for lunch. The children who stay have lunch, a sleep then a play before going back to class. Like other posters I have been very pleasantly surprised. All the children seem to thrive, it's all learning through play, and absolutely no chalkboards. They do a lot of art, drawing, movement, singing, etc. Dd is far happier in school than she was at nursery.

The teachers stressed to parents that the first few years are first and foremost about settling the children into the school environment. It depends on the school, but dd's school is absolutely fine if I feel she is too tired to go in. In her first year, she very often didn't go back in the afternoon.

Your DS will be fine.