Our son is eligible for deferral of primary school. He’s currently in preschool but immature, not overly keen to be independent and likes acting babyish. His sibling is currently in P1 so we’ve an idea of the work required in P1, it’s quite a fast paced school.
at the moment he has very little interest in phonics, can count to 10, but isn’t 100% on the alphabet. He still has some potty accidents too, and is small for his age. He has however made a best friend and they would typically go to P1 with this friend (they hug each other and play together all the time). The friends older sibling is also in our eldest child’s class and so I’ll be in contact with the mum for the next few years (they’re a lovely family).
the best friend can’t be deferred but are only 2 weeks older than our son. Compared to our eldest though, I’m really not sure he can cope with the pace of P1. Hardly anyone defers their children here. I am also slightly suspicious of him having adhd, but obviously I can’t confirm (preschool haven’t noticed any issues). He just seems to struggle to listen, follow instructions and concentrate with me. He also gives up on things quickly, confidence is an issue. His friend seems slightly more ready for school if I’m honest. Should I split the friendship and defer? Or send him on with his friend in the hope he’ll do ok? Deferring also means we’ll have to pay the preschool for an extra year (but next year there will be new staff and obviously a new cohort of kids too).