Skipping reception year?

[zdatoo]

Hi,

My husband and I are planning to take our two boys (aged 2 and 4) to South East Asia for 9 months this September. We're planning to spend 2/3 months in Bali, 2 months Vietnam, 2 months Thailand and 2 months Malaysia.

Since my eldest is supposed to be starting school this September, this means he will skip reception and go straight into year 1 when we return the following year. Has anyone had experience with this or know anyone who has done it?
I'm not sure how it works with the British schooling system, do I have to register him under the homeschooling system until then?

For an in year application for year 1, how would I know when to join the waiting list? As we're only planning on returning in June/July of 2024.

Thank you all in advance!

I think Reception is a really important year and wouldn’t have wanted my child to miss it. I would request a deferred start from the school and start reception next September

You won't be able to apply until you return (for a State school). Waiting lists are held in order of criteria not time on list... so when a place comes up, its offered to the person who fits the admission criteria the best.

You don't need to say you are home educating. But it will likely be better to be doing phonics and maths to make the transition easier.

You won't be able to apply until you are back. No such thing as registering under a homeschooling system, you won't be here for them to care.

If you can get a deferred start that would be the better option. However if not I would not worry about it at all. Loads of kids start later after a period of home education and are fine.

I also know loads of kids who have moved to the UK with English as an additional language after no formal education - again absolutely fine.

I’m in the same position we were abroad last year where my son would have been in reception. He’s come into year 1 this year when we returned and it hasn’t been easy for him; he struggles with literacy and numeracy and has extra help. In hindsight I would have done more with him in terms of basic literacy skills last year.

My DS is a July baby who has just started reception, so he doesn't actually have to be there at all this year. I have been genuinely amazed by how much he has learnt in just one term, and how I knew absolutely zero about what he would be doing and how he would be learning it.

A year ago I could have said to go for it as Reception is just about playing isn't it? Actually now, I wouldn't want my son to miss it, but if you are definitely going to homeschool, for your child's sake please don't deprioritise learning for travel experiences. I'm sure you can do both, just learn up on how they teach reading (which system) and how they do writing and so on. It will be hard enough for your child to adjust to year 1 without the foundation knowledge of the school routine, don't set them off behind academically too.

I'm sorry that doesn't answer your original q, but I've been so surprised how much formal learning has happened in Reception I had to comment.

Is he 4 already or will be when you intend to travel?

Obviously if he's summer term-born (from 1 April), you can request a complete deferral so that he can start in reception.

If he's not, then you will need to do a lot of phonics and numeracy whilst you are away so he's not completely behind.

I’m an infant teacher and SENCo and I think this sounds fab. Learning doesn’t just happen at school and filling your children’s heads with the wonders of the world is priceless. However I would be reading with and to them, teaching them phonics and the basics of adding and subtracting, number recognition and maybe writing a diary with them. Not every day necessarily but this will help them when they join school and it’s a lovely momento.
I hope you have a great time.
move had children join in year 1 and it is tough for them as they adjust to the routines of school. Usually they slip into friendship groups fairly quickly. Academically it depends on the child but the ones who have had the input I suggest above catch up quickly.
In terms of applying, you’ll need a perm address. If your child is a summer born you could apply in their usual time and then defer but my knowledge of that process is poor. I’m only commenting to give my two penny worth about the greatness of your idea.
I would look around schools now and have an idea about what I would prefer but also be highly mindful that it’ll be wherever has spaces at the time.

You can usually apply from June for a place in September. Any earlier and they will expect you to start before the end of term. The waiting list is usually based largely on distance (unless it is a faith school or some other exceptions). Many LAs won't let you apply until you are back in the country. Some will let you apply with an address and return date.

If schools are oversubscribed, it may take a while to sort a place. If schools have places, things will be much smoother. You don't need to do anything now if you are definitely going. If you are at all unsure, apply now for Reception just in case. Some people have mentioned deferring, but that won't be an option if your DC is already 4, as you can only do it for summer borns in England.