When do DC;s start school?

[countrylover]

Right, I know this is probably a damn stupid question to ask but I'm new to all of this.

My DS will be four next October - so when does he start full time school?

I know he can go to nursery part time as from now which he does three days a week privately as I work so it makes more sense as they can have him then ten hours a day I need.

But will he start 'proper' school - is that reception? - in the Sept before his fifth birthday (his b'day is 1st Oct) or will he have to wait until he's nearly six in the following Sept?

Do all schools offer a Jan intake for those who's fifth birthdays fall between Sept and Jan of that academic year?

Can anoyone make any sense of my ramblings?!

He would normally start in the Sept before he is 5. January intakes are sometimes available for the younger children in the year group (ie spring and summer birthdays)

Reception is 4-5 year-olds, so children who will turn 5 between 1st Sept and 31st August of any given year.

Some schools start all dc in September, others will take summer-born children in after Christmas. Not all reception children will start full days straight away, though some areas do.

If your ds will be 4 on 1st October 2009, he will start Reception (assuming mainstream state school in England -- Scotland is different) in September 2010. You will need to apply around Jan 2010, though some LEAs have earlier application dates.

Check your LEA's website, which should give you all the relevant info.

In my area schools do not offer a January intake.

Children start reception class full time the September after they turn 4 or nursery school the September after they turn 3. You can use nursery vouchers at a private nursery the term after they turn 3.

Your Local Education Authority will be able to tell you all you need to know, as it may well differ from county to county. Have you tried their website? Our local one is really helpful.

he'll start in Sept 2010 and in our area you need to apply by Nov-Dec for primary but check with yr LEA.