Help please.. Is just turning 4 to early for school?

[Daniellesmac]

My daughter turns 4 next year on the 23rd of august. I'm wanting her to start school in the September, but she will only just of turned 4!!

I don't know if it's too early for her. She's intellignet but still going through toilet training at the moment and shes still not fully there with her speech.
I might be just worrying (most likely)
Anyone else in or has been in a similar situation? Much needed help

Also quick question on views on primary schools around twickenham/richmond/teddington areas.

Danielle x

Daniellesmac, chase bridge was our nearest school for where we lived until 6 years ago, it was very popular where we lived, my only concern is that I believe it is now a 3 form intake, which I think is big for a young starter.

Marshgate seems popular and I understand it is doing well.

Unless you are talking about renting/moving you need to focus more on an area, it can be hard to get any Richmond place especially at a popular school.

When we applied for DS we didn't have the pan London application n we applied separately for Richomd and Spelthrne boroughs. I applied for St James' in Twickenham (Catholic), ignored our nearest school and applied to the 2 next nearest community schools. We were only offered a place at our nearest school which I wa not prepared to accept. Fortunately we also got offered a suitable place in Spelthorne, DD1 followed DS.

I'm not sure where you are in the borough, but even Stanley will be going full time starts from 2014. It might be worth a chat with admissions if you are looking for a possible part time start, because I suspect that there will be few options come the start date you are looking at. Also catchments are increasingly tight, if you are considering state, so further limiting choice.

FWIW, DD2 is a July birthday, and I fretted like mad. Now Y6, she's doing brilliantly. What I have noticed though is that amongst friends in a similar situation, those who decided it was an insurmountable problem, still put every set back their child has at school down to this.

I've been looking into chase bridge primary in Twickenham, Marshgate, stanley primary school, Kew riverside school and collis primary in Teddington.. I've been looking into a few others as well but they are the main ones. If you know anything about their reputations I'd love to know. Theres only so much you get from ofsted

There is literally nowhere you could live where you would have a realistic chance of all of those schools! They all have extremely small catchment areas. Have a look on the Richmond Council website for more info.

On the bright side, there really are no bad primaries in Richmond - honestly, even the less popular ones are absolutely fine (I speak from experience, as a parent and as a child).

Hello,

I'm in a similar position - my son turns 3 at the end of July, so will just be 4 when starting school next September. All I'd say at this point is that they can change so much in a year, I'd apply and then defer entry if you feel she isn't ready. Also, since starting at pre-school his confidence and social skills have come on leaps and bounds - it really is amazing the difference.

It is a big worry (I am always worrying about it!) but I think you just have to judge it individually as some children will be ready for school and some just won't - see how you feel in six months or so (having applied so at least you have a place)...