Keeping summer DC back 1 year

[MinnieMousesMum]

Hi, my DC is currently in year 3. He is an end of August born. He is totally fine academically, but has minor language and communication difficulties which make his reading comprehension and speech weak. He lacks confidence, has anxiety, is the shortest in his class and tends to play with boys 1 to 3 years younger than him although he has friends in his year too. I'm thinking of keeping him back one year. He's about to move schools so this would be the time to do it. I think he would be quite bored academically for a while though. Has anyone done this? I'm trying to think about the pros and cons. Thanks

If you’re in the UK I’m not sure you will be allowed to keep him back. This is normally something done entering YR.

Hopefully an expert will advise soon.

I wouldn't do it. He is fine academically, so I don't see the issue. Anxiety isn't going away just because you keep him back one year! As for being the shortest, I guess someone has to be the shortest, right? The fact that he plays with boys younger than him, mean nothing really and that can change anytime. The language and communication issues you mention, again keeping him back one year does not really changes anything. I don't think you have valid points to keep him back. Also have you thought about how your son would feel about all this? Is he ok with this? Also, how unfair it is for the poor boy to learn the same things again!

He's in the private sector. I thought this would give him more confidence and time to work on communication issues, time to mature before entering senior school.

I would think very carefully before doing this. What are your plans for secondary? If your current school goes right through to 18 you may be able to leave him 'out of year' but it would make moving schools more difficult (and limit your choices) and you may then be looking at him having to somehow miss either Y6 or Y7 completely.

It can also cause problems with sport as he may not be allowed to play 'out of age' without special dispensation.

I wouldn't do it - especially not if he's in the private system. Once you get to 11+ or 13+ it might be difficult for him to apply to certain schools. Most of the schools my eldest just applied to would not consider any applicants that were not in the exact age bracket.

Meaning you'd either have to privately tutor him parallel to him doing his actual school work, for him to take the tears a year before his classmates, or you'd have to discount schools that might otherwise be preferable.

I'd rather look at changing preps to a more nurturing one, if that's an option.

I kept my August born girl back and it was the best decision I made for her and truly sorry I didn't do it sooner. She is now in an Independent school and thriving. I have visited many Secondary schools that take children out of cohort. It's just finding the correct one for your child. Good luck