Is Nursery School Compulsory or Can DS Stay in Nursery Till Reception Class?

[gingercat12]

Am a bit confused. I have read the other threads and information leaflets on my local council's website, but still do not know what to do.

2 girls in our street went to nursery school this September at the age of 4. My DS is 2.5, and is happily settled in nursery. Can he stay in nursery till he starts reception class in primary school, or is he supposed to go to a more formal nursery school?

Sorry for the stupid questions, but I have gone to school abroad. We started school at the age of 6, and the ones born after September at the age of 7. I find sending my LO to school at such a young age surprising, or possibly I just misunderstand the whole question.

Off to ask Council about catchment area.

\Yes, he can stay where he is until reception - my ds did that

At the moment children start full time school- Reception, the term in which they turn 5.
you do not need to send your child to Nursery School- many schools have a nursery class attached.
I think things may be changing tho'
hopefuuly someone else will know a bit more than me.

my ace turned 4 end of last month, we are in england london and he stayed in his local nursery for 2 years, then he went straight onto reception last week...

You can keep your child in day nursery until Reception, yes. And if you need that for childcare purposes, then it will be the best thing to do because the Nursery School classes attached to schools usually only offer a half day, and will finish by 3.30.

Reception, the first class in school, is still very play based learning, and is part of the 'Foundation' stage' which includes nursery, not part of Key Stage 1 which begins in year 1.

I think, legally, that you do not need to send your child to school until Yr 1, but the problem with that is that by that time all the places will be taken, and you would have difficulty finding childcare in a nursery setting if you need cover for work.

Oh, and if you keep your child in a private daycare nursery until Reception, the fees will be subsidised as you are not using a Nursery School place!

Thank you very much.

Thanks for asking that as I didn't get it either but thought I would sound silly as everyone I know just seems to know what to do!

Now I understand too!

If the girls in your street lived here, they would be off to school (reception) instead of nursery if they are 4. Unless they literally turned 4 since 1 Sep.

My DS1 went to a private nursery from 18 months, and then also joined a pre-school type nursery (not linked to the school though) age 3. He carried on attending both until summer hols started in July this year. He then started reception class at school last week.

Thanks Egg. I gave calls to the local primary schools, and yes the age of 4 is reception class. Complete shock and horror, sending kids to school at such a young age. My DH, who is English, could not believe it either. He thought I must have misunderstood it.

Yes my DH keeps on looking at our DS1 saying "he's too young for school!"... A couple of his friends did turn five just before starting as their birthdays are early Sept, but the majority start at four. They all look so small and young in their uniform (but v cute!).

Argh! I can't wait to see my DS in a uniform [soppy emoticon], just really find it too young. What is the hurry?!