Worried about summer term

[Diddee]

My dd is an August birthday so will not be starting school until the summer term, which was our choice seeing as she was premature and would have found it v hard to cope with school in September. We have been having lots of fun at home, playing and reading. I am concerned about her entering reception because she has taken off with reading - we have a few Oxford reading tree books at home and she can read the stage 7 books first time with no problems. Not sure where she has come from seeing as I struggled at school! I am worried about her starting school when she seems quite 'far ahead' on reading... the school doesn't start reading schemes until year 1. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

I wouldn't worry about the reading - she'll do reading at home still, and there are other aspects of English for her to get to grips with.

She'll also have to develop her social aspects, getting on with the rest of the class, esp as friendships will have been developed.

She'll have to learn ball skills, and P.E. skills.

She'll have to learn numeracy skills.

There is a heck of a lot of learning to do, as opposed to just being on a reading level.

I'd be more worried about her socialising with kids in established friendship groups, can you get her in for some visits this half term so that she can begin to form friendships before starting after easter?

The academic side seems to be taking care of itself, it must just be your school as both my DC came home clutching reading books in reception.

Don't worry, she will love it. The reception at my DD was geared up to be play based learning which suited her transition into school perfectly.

I think the visits before hand are a good idea.

if she is doing so well academically, could you reconsider her summer start and have he doing half days for a while?

She may be more ready than you think she is.

not starting reading schemes until yr sounds a bit odd?

I absolutely agree with supersewer. Just keep on with what you are doing at home, and let her first term at school have a focus on her social development.

My son was youngish is his class and finished the reading scheme (stage 11 or was it 12) by the end of reception. He was one of three children who did this - the rest finished the reception year about level 6/7 - which is still very high. They were a very bright keen year - and mostly all rounders.

Must admit I'd be more concerned about her fitting into friendship groups though.

Thanks for the posts - yes, definitely worried about the friendships too - though she is very socially aware - runs off in the park with other children and always seem to be happy to join with with others so hopefully it will be ok. Thanks for the reassurance about the reading.

If she is so far ahead why have you decided to delay her starting?

I don't think she is 'so far ahead' in everything, probably just good at reading. Anyway, the reason for delaying was because of exhaustion and health issues... still needing a nap every day and ending up in hospital every 4 weeks with a cold (they said this would improve with age and it has).
In September she couldn't read at all but has just taken off recently.