4 in June 2010, sep '10 start or Sep '11?

[Disenchanted3]

DS has just turned 4 and is due to start reception in September.

When his brother started reception his 5th birthday was the Dec after he started so I feel he was much older and ready.

DS does 5 mornings a week at surestart playgroup but its playing AND HE DOESN'T HAVE ANY CLUE ABOUT NUMBERS, WRITING HIS NAME ANYTHING LIKE THAT REALLY AT ALL (sorry caps!)

DS1 knew alot more and I was still worried.

I'm worried DS is going to labled 'slower' because hes younger and I think he would struggle with the stuff DSis doing now in reception!

Is him starting reception next september an option or does he HAVE to start thi Sep?

DH wants him to go this Sep as he is being a real handful but for me that just rflects how 'small' he is - still having toddler tantrums!!

My ds will be 4 mid July so will be even younger than yours. I've just concentrated on dressing and toiletting. He can recognise his name and is trying to write it but his pencil control is still weak (this is normal). He has good listening skills and plays nicely so I feel he will be okay.
The teacher will take his age into consideration, try not to worry.

I wouldn't worry too much about him being the youngest. DS1 and DD1 were July and June babies and although initially I was worried the would be/fall behind they managed just find. DS1 now nearly 17 managed to get scholarships to two schools and DD1 is excelling at her school both academically and socially so try not to worry too much.

floraflora well it shouldn't be and it certainly isn't the case in the school where I teach.

Every child is different and has different needs and it is down to the skills of the staff to ensure those needs are met.

Montessori settings up to recently were able to follow their own curriculum but there shouldn't be huge differences now.

Mrz, that's my point. Its not the curriculum that differs it is the setting, and MOST importantly the child's perception of the setting.

Very re-assured to hear a teacher acknowledging the individuality of the child. Though in practice I do wonder how you manage if you have a class of 30 of a wide range of ages and abilities.

Would also be interested to know if you think that the ethos of Reception has changed in the last few years?

floraflora & roisin our reception setting is almost identical to the private day care setting in the local Children's Centre - our chairs a little bigger and we have lots more resources (toys) and a bigger better resources outdoor space ...and dare I say it better qualified and more experienced staff. I'm not sure where you are roisin but it is quite common all over the England & Wales for nurseries and reception children to be taught together (not at all formally) through play.

It is quite possible for skilled highly qualified staff to meet the needs of 30 individuals in a reception class just as it's possible that poorly qualified/paid inexperienced staff can fail to meet the needs of individual children in a pre school. I've encountered staff in both types of setting I wouldn't want anywhere near my child and also staff that I have great confidence in.

I think the ethos in reception changed 10 years ago when it finally had a place rather than being the bit that was neither nursery or KS1 but expected to be a bit of both...meeting the needs of young children but following the literacy hour ...
I do realise so some schools and teachers (and parents ) want reception to be this way but it certainly isn't the norm in my area.

September 2010, but you can defer till Jan , or maybe easter after you have the place for sept.
Talk to the school you have a place at, but do you homework first, look ( search) on local authority web pages for the policy on deferment and how it impacts ( if at all) on preschool funding. In devon parents can defer till easter and keep 15 hr a week funded preschool place.

They don;t have to KNOW any thing much on starting reception. Agree with others that bum wiping, hand washing and putting on OWN shoes and coat are more important than academics on starting school.

"Intakes" are not binding on parents except in that it may prevent you sending your child to school earlier than the school/LA are willing to take him. There is absolutely no reason why you couldn't send him later, intakes or no intakes.

He can start school in September or at any time thereafter, even partway through a term if that is what you want. Why not wait until September and see how things seem to you then? If you feel he isn't ready in September, but you're reluctant for him to miss the entire Reception year (or worried about losing his place in an oversubscribed school) then you could defer until later in the Reception year. His place must be kept waiting for him, provided he starts school by the end of the Reception year and by the time he reaches compulsory education age, whichever is earlier. (So in your son's case that would mean he must start by the end of Reception.)