Starting primary concerns

[Obsidianfang]

My LB is due to start primary school in September, he is a July baby so he will be one of the younger ones

I’m really worried that he just is not ready for school,
He has a diagnosis of delayed development and is query FAS (from birth mother) /autism and has a VUS genetic anomaly - we are still waiting on assessment, but his nursery are really unhelpful, the Senco has stated that they do not think there is anything wrong with him from their viewpoint so are unwilling to address my concerns. I have involved the neurodisbility team but due to COVID we have not been able to have a meeting to discuss this.

My concern is that my LB cannot do things independently that his peers of the same age can do - he has started potty training and can access the toilet but cannot clean himself, he cannot dress independently, can’t use cutlery and has oral sensory issues so struggles to eat.
He has little ability to understand simple tasks/questions etc
His development is around 12/18 months behind other children his age

Any advice on where to go or who to address my concerns to?

As you probably know with older kids the expectations are more of the oldest in the year so more like 5 year olds in reception.
So if he starts at 4 but is like a 3yo-2.5yo that would be a large gap.
Even being 5yo but more like a 4yo might make him struggle.

@Soontobe60

One thing to take into account if deferring and therefore entering reception a year late, many secondary schools will only admit children in the correct year group for their age, so if a child leaves Y6 in the academic year when they are 12, the secondary schools may well want to place them into Year 8. There is also the issue of the legal school leaving age. Once a child reaches that age, there is nothing anyone can do to make them stay on to take any exams etc. The knock on effect of delaying school can be long lasting.

Thank you for your opinion. I understand what you are saying, that’s why I’m looking at all options before making a decision, as I know whatever we decide will have consequences.

I’m going to ring around everyone this week that people have have offered as options.

I just don’t want him being at school and floundering as he just does not have the capability that his peers have. I’m worried of him being ‘that child’ - parents and children are harsh of differences - of not being accepted and it does happen I’m afraid

and I want him to enjoy being there not upset because he can’t do things

You would need to apply for secondary transfer in yr 5.
And ask the la/ht/governors again etc.
Hopefully there will be better understanding at secondary of the benefits of CSA.