my DN has a July birthday, when does she HAVE to go to school

[GColdtimer]

Please help me settle some confusion. My DN is in reception at the moment. She will be 5 in July, her parents are moving from the north to the south in the next month or so and there are no school places for this academic year. They think that she doesn't legally have to start school until September so are not worried. Is that right? I thought they had to start the term they are 5 which would mean the summer term.

I believe that children don't have to start school until the term after they turn 5.

See link here wiki.answers.com/Q/What_age_do_children_start_school_in_England

It's the term after they turn 5, so in your niece's case it will be September.

No its the term AFTER she turns 5, which would be September. She will just join Y1 in Sept with other children her age, assuming they find a place for her!

Thank you. She was right and I was wrong.

As you say, just have to find a place for her now which is proving a bit tricky.

Technically she doesn't HAVE to go to school ever if they choose to home ed.

Or they could home ed until they find a suitable place.

I think they would be up for that actually banana brain/snorkle, but she is expecting DC2 in October so I am not sure she could juggle it.

They are right. Legally she doesn't have to be in school until September.