Starting primary school 2021 - worth it??

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Hello all

So due to the pandemic and schools closing on and off for weeks ect I'm starting to think is it worth my dc to start primary school this year or skip it until next year?
Dc is 4 this year and I know you don't have to send children until they are 5 so I'm wondering if it's worth even bothering this year as I don't know how long they will be in school due to schools keep closing.
Anyone else having similar thoughts? I'd like to hear others opinions.
Also not sure if iv posted in the right place so sorry if I haven't.

No I'm sending mine in September. I think most parents will and all their friends would have moved on whilst they're stuck with younger children in nursery. In the meantime I'm getting them to write their name and play with stuff that helps their fine motor skills like Lego. There's stuff on cbeebies like Numberblocks etc to help them get ready for school. Also I think we'll be in a much better position pandemic wise by September.

I see what your saying. Its just the thought of constant disruption of schools closing and it being the first year how that will effect them. I don't want dc to get settled and used to going and then schools close for x amount of time and then your back at square 1 when they reopen and getting them used to it again if that makes sense.

I am, but mine would be able to go in as KW kids anyway.

I guess you could see if you get your 1st choice school and then give it a go.

If I didn’t like the school given I would be more inclined to defer and try again next year!!

Make sure you properly understand how deferrals work - they have to start the term after they turn 5. Would they be joining Y1 in September 2022 or are you able to defer them as a summer born? I understand there’s a helpful FB group for parents of summer borns.

You’d also need to understand, based on that, when you would need to accept a place. Presumably you have just applied? Would you need to reapply for Y1 if you didn’t take up the place for the 21-22 school year, and if so how likely are you to get into preferred options.

Basically, unless home education is a long term plan/option, make sure you fully understand the lie of the land so you don’t get caught out without a place that you want.

Yes I was thinking that too lol
Well my dc turns 4 end of May this year and would be starting this September.
Dc doesn't turn 5 until 2022 so I know I could send them September 2022.

You could send them Sept 22 but unless you get prior agreement they will go straight into Yr 1 in Sept 22 and miss their Reception year entirely. This is because in England (assume you are in England?) children start Reception the September after their 4th birthday. So yes, you can wait but there could be some disadvantages to starting in yr 1 - missing the play based learning in Reception, not having the opportunity to make friends and you may not get your choice of school as you will be applying for in year entry to yr 1.
If you want them to start Reception in 2022 you will need to get agreement from the school and the Local Authority and I would advise you get it in writing that they will continue to be educated out of cohort for their whole time at school otherwise you may find they have to go from yr 6 to year 8 when starting secondary school.
Some LAs are more open to this than others - end of May is not particularly young unless there are other factors to consider (premature, additional needs etc) so you may find it difficult to defer Reception to Sept 22. Would suggest you join the FB group for delayed school entry for Summer borns as they will be able to advise

@suitcaseofdreams thank you for that as I wasn't aware that would happen and dc would miss out on reception. Obviously I wouldn't want them missing out on that part plus being out of the loop when it comes to friends ect
Thank you for all of your comments very helpful

I have an end of May child who I will be sending in September. You can ask to start reception the year after if child is summer born, I would suggest joining the FB page mentioned already, it's very helpful!

As above you need agreement to start in yr r and it varies by LA.
You can otherwise start as latevas easter in yr r and keep the place. But obviously loose friendship making, phonics maths writing etc. April gives 1 month or less to achieve the early leaning goals...