Does anyone else think children shouldn't start school till they're 7?

[FossilSister]

DD is 5 and currently in Year 1. I found myself being asked to fill in a school survey:

"Is homework set and marked regularly?" "Are lessons well-planned and effective?" etc.

Apart from the fact that I can't even know this stuff, what does it really matter? Shouldn't they be asking "Does your child like school?" "Is your child happy?"

Shouldn't we be a bit bothered about work life balance for our 5 year olds? What can they do at home between the tea bath bed rush that they couldn't in 6 hours of school.

I love my kids school. It's great and she is happy, I just wish she was doing nature walks and playing, not sitting at a table all day when she isn't old enough to hold a pencil properly. Seriously, it makes me cry.

At 5, they could be doing project stuff which helps them to take turns and share and listen. Not writing and spelling. Maybe we wouldn't have such problems with lack of empathy in teenagers, if they had a bit more time to develop social skills and enjoy their childhood.

i agree with op.

Thanks grapefruitmoon - that was what I was thinking of.

Not 7, no. DD was more than ready for school when she started, age 4y5m. Nearly two years on (now in Y1) she still adores school.

No problems re sharing, taking turns, listening, empathy, etc. DD's school spend a good deal of time on these kind of social skills in fun, relaxed environments.

I think 5 is a good age to start.
I would only have half days for nursery age.

Half days would be a nightmare for workng parents. Parents should always have option of full days for 2-3 days a week. or half days every day incstead. Also, I would have hated being tied to half days every day frm such an early age - i liked having a full day to go out and about with DD.

Well, of course you could always skip nursey

But there should be the option available to all, inc working parents. I do believe that most children benefit from some form of preschool, be it in a private nursery or a school preschool setting. But the school preschool really ought to be available to all, and sadly for many it currently isn;t.

I don't know much about it, but don't you get vouchers for that?

Yes, but not all private day nurseries accept them. And many state (free) preschools only offer the half days option.