My advice is to get hold of one of this years primary admissions books for your LA. read it cover to cover and see what you can find about delayed entry.....every LA is different but this will give you the most up to date information.

However, with my teacher's head on it is still very early days to think about removing a child from a school year only to reintroduce in January.the benefits your child will get from the socialisation side will outweigh the negatives.I would advise making an appointment with either the head of EYFS in the school or the headteacher to see if anything can be done to work around your concerns....

What i will say is that the relationship between family and school should be a really communicative and positive one. the more you involve them in your decisions, the more likely the outcome will be what is best for your child.....

If you pm the authority where you are I will do some digging for you....Then at least you will have all the facts to make any decision.

Thank you.

I did ask them a few months back as a general question about deferring and they replied:

"I have spoken to the admissions teams and they have informed me that the school legally still should look at accepting a place for the following January as there should still be an intake for this year only. I believe this is to change next year. "

I understand that from next year, the law has changed so that you can defer until much later but the authority has to keep a place open for you. That's not this year though.

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/sacode/

2.69 Admission authorities must allow parents of children who are offered a place at the school before they are of compulsory school age to defer their child’s entry until later in the school year. Where entry is deferred, admission authorities must hold the place for that child and not offer it to another child. The parent would not however be able to defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth birthday, nor beyond the academic year for which the original application was accepted. This mustbe made clear in the admission arrangements for the school.

my daughter was 4 in the august and she started schoolin the september but only part time til january! she was so ready for full time tho and as she was the youngest she had to wit til the january

I think you are in a strong position to discuss it at school but I would speak to the headteacher as he/she will be better informed. I would also ask to see any assessment done by the school so that you can see how your child is progressing.This may help you make your decision. I have also sent some info via pm.

Thanks for all the help and advice - very much appreciated!

Hiya

I am glad that up here they dont start school until 5. Luca will start at 4 3/4 as he is a December birthday, but I agree that starting at 4 for a full day is just a bit too much.

Luca is currently in preschool nursery every day from 850-1130 and thats definetly enough just now.

Incidentally, I have a friend who homeschools, and she takes her kids to all sorts of different things for them to socialise and they dont seem to miss out.

Hope she is ok

Hi Lucky Star,

I totally know what you are going through, it's awful isnt it, they are just babies really!

My daughter is in her 2nd year now (Year One) but when she started reception I couldn't stand it, she had gone to pre-school but only when I was at work (part-time) so my days off were spent together. She used to get really upset and run after me when I dropped her off and keep asking for kisses and cuddles before I left. It was so awful, my dad had to start taking her as I was going to work really upset. But it does get easier, you will both get used to it in time and will appreciate the time you spend together even more

Take care x

Hi Dani

She really isn't okay. She's normally such a happy, chatty, confident child but she's changed overnight to a sad, tearful child with hostility and general unhappiness. It really hit my husband tonight just how bad things are. I've tried to make school seem a great experience and honestly maintained a cheerful disposition with her. I just think it's too long a day for her and too much too soon. They're not all the same are they, kids? It must be so hard to suddenly have to deal with the whole school regime - the discipline, the playground, the older kids, the whole routine. It probably doesn't help that she has a new brother at home while is being sent away every day. .

That's interesting, about your friend who home schools. I have been looking into it and have heard some really positive things. I understand that there are local groups that get together and share advice etc. too. I'd rather she went to school though.



Oh that is so sad, bless her - yes, they are just babies. So young. I've done the same and got my husband to take her when he can. I've had the arms around my leg and the begging me to take her home. It's awful. The other day I couldn't stand seeing her tearful little face staring at me through the car window so I started leaping about and hiding to try to get her to smile so that she would leave home happy.

if thats the case, then I think I would be having words with the school, ultimately the absolute last thing you want is her not enjoying school or dreading it - she has to do it for such a long time and I dont think that deferrign for a few months will make any difference academically or socially.

Do what you think is right for your child....
good luck, hugs for C xxxx

Thank you.