waving to fellow campaigners on school starting age

[lingle]

just wanted to wave to you all.

DS2 started reception this morning aged 5.0. He told me where his classroom was, and in he went. He remembered that though his best friend won't be in his class, he'd visited that classroom with his other friend. He was basically ready.

Cost to taxpayer relative to him starting a year ago: one extra year's placement at nursery

costs saved - huge. Starting a year ago, he'd have needed one-to-one support for his delayed language. That means a multi-disciplinary assessment and diagnosis process, and a big fight over the content of the statement of special needs, then cost of one-to-one teaching assistant.

Sometimes kids need more time and it's in everyone's interests to let them have it.

Hi, ds started reception late too although he had a statement and full time 1 to 1 and still does. Its expected that next year he will leave with at least 8 gcse passes A to C.
Dd did nursery hours in a foundation unit although she was reception age again with a statement and 1 to 1.She got 3's in her SATs last year as expected.
The late starts didn't hinder my two at all it was what they needed at the time. Hope your ds has a good first day.

that's great predicted grades, you must feel very proud of him.

My DS2 had a really good first morning. I feel very lucky that we had the chance to wait until he was ready but indignant that others are denied that chance.

I am just thanking my stars that my baby (currently in utero) Is due January, rather than in the summer. When my older 3 dc started at the primary, they did a staggered intake and took children born September-Xmas FT in September, Children born Jan-april PT September, FT January, and children born May-Aug PT January, FT After Easter. Now they only take one intake, FT in Septmeber. My friends' DD was 4yo on 31st August last year, and started school on the 4th September. Her end of reception report complained that she didn't concentrate properly, and was 'immature'. Well, DUH! If she isn't 5 yrs old until AFTER the end of reception year, of course she will be much more immature than dc almost an entire year older than her! I am just glad that at the youngest, my new baby will be 4yrs 8 months when he starts reception.