To defer or not to defer?

[Allthecake]

I had DD in December and have (probably prematurely) started wondering about deferring her school start. Do I even have a choice or is it just January/February babies? Or does it depend on council area? Cheers.

You can apply to defer (anyone not 5 when school year would start can apply). Jan and Feb children are guaranteed deferral. I think its up to the council to decide on a case by case basis for all others.

It's been years since I deferred my DS's and info was hard to find then but hopefully it's easier now!

I deferred my DS's who both have November birthdays. They have no SEN (I just thought it'd be beneficial for them) and I had no problems getting the deferral. They also got an extra year paid nursery funding (also not guaranteed for Sep-Dec deferrals).

You can defer a December baby but you might not get your nursery place funded for another year. That depends on the council and if there are SEN involved.

TBH 99% of December girls are ready for school (in my very humble opinion).

why are you thinking of deferring already? I don't know many who deferred in my area and it tends to be those with January and February birthdays

wait and see, enjoy your time with her without worrying about the future. You will know when the time is right in the future.

I deferred my 29-weeker, who had a December birthday (due date late Feb). I had to put a case together to support my application & it was granted. It was definitely the right thing to do. The aim is to show how an extra year in nursery can allow more chance to mature/catch up/develop skills ready for school.

There is a world of difference between a "little bit early" 35-weeker & a 25-weeker. So if your DC had health complications related to prematurity, it will strengthen your case.

I think Bliss have some good info on their website.

Feel free to PM me for more info.

OP doesn't say her dd was premature though. Was your dd full term?

Oopsthat's what happens when you skim-read - just saw the word "prematurely" & didn't engage brain fully

You don't have to send them (or home educate) until they are 5 But December born children do not automatically get nursery funding for the year
I have known a few kids who were deferred and it didn't seem to difficult to get the funding
Agree with others ,enjoy your baby and consider things nearer the time

My dd was born on 30th December and I deferred her. We had to have meetings with the council and she had to sit a fairly long (given her age) test to assess her readiness for school. When she "failed", nursery staff were so relieved because they knew she wasn't ready but weren't allowed any input in the process.
Deferring is often the best thing you can do for December -February born kids' education.

Thanks everyone. I've just been wondering because I've been doing my sons nursery application. I know it'll all depend on how ready she is when the time comes but it's nice to know we'll have a choice 😃