School starting age, please advise

dangers

Afaik councils get the information about children coming up for school age from the funding forms.
Also, all registered providers must complete an EYFS profile on a child they look after for more than two hours per day (up until the end of the Reception year).
Sorry, got to dash - school run to do

balancelife

Bestpud - I certainly will be giving myself a pat on the back for how I'm bringing my daughter up. I'm very proud of her and of us as parents. I most definitely do not see reception year as palming her off and getting rid as you so hurtfully put it. I miss her a lot and find it strange seeing her bring so independent from me. But putting myself aside I see her developing, learning and growing and know that I made the right choices for her. At least I worked out when and where to send her hey? Of course you know I didn't send her simply to learn to carry a tray and that was an example of something they do learn. I am confident she will be happy and settled and in the right place for year 1 and think its important that people who do not know anything about schools like the op to see the things beyond academics. For what its worth to you I did a lot if work at home with my daughter and believe a child will flourish with input from school and home.

Rachel021967

Sorry I've just skipped through the posts but if your in England you would of had to apply for a school place in the autumn that's just gone. Your daughter doesn't have to start school until the term after she's 5, and if this is the case she will have to go into Year 1. You may be too late in getting your child into a school of your choice but its worth going on the waiting list. If you move into the area you will probably go to the top end of the list, but you must inform them of a change of address.
I think the system is different in Wales, N. Ireland and Scotland.
Good luck.

Soniclord

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I respect the OP's decision, although it is not one that I would make for my child. My concern is that the children in the nursery will all be younger than the OP's child.

That may or may not be the case? It actually says on one of the doors of the nursery which my daughter attends it's for ages 3-5.

kingfisherblue wrote: »

The child will also have missed out on a full year when friendship groups are made. I know that friendships are very fluid at this age, but groups of friends tend to stick together and she may find it difficult to establish herself as part of the group.

That's untrue, my child already says she has 'friends' at nursery but even if she did go up to school in September she wouldn't necessarily be in the same class as them anyway.

kingfisherblue wrote: »

The OP has already stated that she has a preference for a good school, and that it would be difficult to get her daughter there and back each day, but it is quite possible that there are no places left there anyway

Actually both schools I'm considering DO have places available as I rang my LA the other day and they told me as such, they are also sending me out forms/information to get a place so it can be deferred for a year, if the school will do that, which I'll find out tomorrow when I ring them.

kingfisherblue wrote: »

The LA only has to offer a place at the nearest suitable school - for most children, this is any primary, although there are exceptions for children with special needs (whose needs may be better met at another school that is further away) or for children who follow a particular religion. The LA won't take into account whether it is a good school or not.

What the LA has to do or doesn't have to do has no bearing on me whatsoever, whether the LA offers a place at the nearest suitable school or not wouldn't/won't automatically mean my child would go there, in fact if it was a crap school she wouldn't. And this isn't a dig at you for saying it but in my experience ALL LA's wouldn't take into account whether a school is good or not anyway. They just want to keep there numbers up and there books balanced. They only care about themselves not others.

bestpud wrote: »

FWIW I think you've made the right choice, OP.

Thank you.

bestpud wrote: »

It will not do your child any harm to start later, OP, and in fact an extra year where she has time at home with you but also a nursery for socialising may actually do her a lot of good!

I totally agree with you.

bestpud wrote: »

The social argument is absolute rubbish! Children dip in and out of peer groups at this age!

Exactly,

Something a lot of people don't realise.

bestpud wrote: »

Of course it would be ludicrous to make her get up at stupid hours and endure more hours of transport just so she can start school now! How can any parent justify that for a four year old??

Exactly.

blue_monkey wrote: »

Just one thing though and no-one seems to have mentioned this, it seems the OP is 'assuming' that he will get the 'school of his choice' and his daughter can just start in Y1.

Actually your wrong! Why don't you ask if I'm just 'assuming' that I can get my child into the school of my choice? I already checked to see if they had a space! Which they do..

blue_monkey wrote: »

If, as you say, the school is a good one then Year 1 will already be full.

But if I get a place, which my LA said I should do as there are still places available, once I get a place then I can apply to defer the 'place' for 1 year and if successful it means she will get into that school in Year 1!!

blue_monkey wrote: »

I would be careful about assuming she can just waltz into Year 1 and get her in

Nobody assumed she could waltz anything...

blue_monkey wrote: »

You should have applied for her to go into reception in September had you really wanted to get her in otherwise you'll go on the list.

Should have but didn't as I didn't know! Nor did the nursery mention it. And I/she won't go on any list as the school I want her to go to does has a place as mentioned previously.

blue_monkey wrote: »

To me, it sounds like the Nursery is more than happy to keep on taking your money.

Well aren't all nurseries more than happy to take peoples money? I've never heard of any nursery that costs nothing! If you hear of one do let me know.

blue_monkey wrote: »

Do not just assume the local one is bad from what you hear, things change, teachers change, heads change, pupils change.

I'm assuming nothing, I'm basing it on fact, it's smack bang in the middle of a disgusting housing estate and my child will NOT be going there FACT! Things may change, people may change, teachers may change (unlikely) pupils change etc etc but we already know that! In such schools wrapped around such dire housing estates the pupils change for even worse scumbag kids whose parents don't give a damn, I will NOT even allow my child to be anywhere near such scum. That's not open to discussion as far as I'm concerned.

balancelife wrote: »

Since it seems quite hard for you to understand the school system

Did I say I found it hard? Yet another person wrongly 'assuming' thinking you know me, I don't find it hard to understand it at all now I know the facts...

balancelife wrote: »

I just wanted to make sure you understand what you need to know now you've made your choice to not send her until next September:

1) your child will not do the reception year (she wont be starting late and doing that year)

I know!

balancelife wrote: »

2) your child will go straight into year 1

See above.

balancelife wrote: »

3) If the reception class at the school is full and all the children are staying on to year one you will not get a place at that school.

The class is not full and I will get a place at that school.

balancelife wrote: »

4) you will need to find a school that has a place for a year 1 child, not a reception year child.

I know.

balancelife wrote: »

And then some information that I would have thought everyone knew but then I thought everyone knew when to send their first born to school:

Well clearly you are wrong.

balancelife wrote: »

Schools start in the morning somewhere between 830-9 am and last until 3-330pm.

So I was almost right then when I said they start at around 8.30 and finish at 3pm!

balancelife wrote: »

Your child goes Monday to Friday

This I already knew!

balancelife wrote: »

You have to make choices about lunch - find out what the school does, packed lunch or school dinners.

Well obviously! Does anyone not know that? You don't have to facetious..

balancelife wrote: »

Most schools have a uniform they have to wear every day.

You don't say.....

balancelife wrote: »

They may have homework after school.

Really...

balancelife wrote: »

They have to go every day or you need to write in to explain why they are ill etc

I know!

balancelife wrote: »

I could go on.

DON'T! There really is no need....

balancelife wrote: »

Finally - you cant put all the blame on "not knowing". You are a parent and its your job to find information and advice and not just expect it to be handed to you on a plate. Think ahead. How much further will you not know about important things in your childs life??

You can wind your neck in now and jump down from that high horse! I KNOW I'M A PARENT!!!!!!! And I didn't say ALL information/advice should be handed to me on a plate!

balancelife wrote: »

Things like remembering when sports day is so you can be there, parents evening, non uniform day etc etc. I have to remember after receiving newsletters etc.

Exactly you remembered BECAUSE you had something to TELL YOU... About such things. If I had the same then obviously I would remember!!

balancelife wrote: »

Finally - my child is still 4. she is just finishing reception and ready to go into year 1. she'll be 5 on the 12th August. I knew about when to send her to school and she is my first born. In fact I made sure I had her name on the list for the school when she was 2 as its such a popular school. In reception she has learnt to read in the way her school teaches them (phonics) and maths and play and friendships. SHe has also learnt along with the rest of the class how to carry a tray with lunch on it, sit still in assembly, the rules of the school, what the bell means, where everything is and how to behave in the way they expect. The teachers said all this is important in preparing them for year 1 so they can be confident and settled, ready to learn.

Learn how to carry a tray! Wow... Let me just tell you this isn't about your child, it's about mine. And mine already knew how to carry a tray she doesn't need a school to teach her that unlike your child.

balletshoes wrote: »

OP following the advice you've been given by a couple of posters here, have you applied for a year 1 place for your daughter at your preferred school? I think you should.

Yes I have. Thanks.

balletshoes wrote: »

OP as long as your daughter is mentally stimulated at home and at nursery this next year, and you can apply for and get a deffered place for her at your preferred school, I don't think theres anything wrong in what you are planning to do.

Thank you. I appreciate your post. At least a few people agree with me.

Also it's worth noting to the people who think it's a bad thing. If it was then it wouldn't be allowed to happen! Remember that.

balancelife wrote: »

At least I worked out when and where to send her hey?

Well good for you, is that a dig at me? If so kindly send me your address and I'll send you a bucket and spade.

balancelife wrote: »

I think its important that people who do not know anything about schools like the op to see the things beyond academics.

I didn't say I knew nothing about schools! I've been to them myself, a 1st school, Middle School and a High School.. I should know enough about schools in general! And let me just tell you this! My brother whose 24 NEVER went to nursery and he only started school when he was 5, he's recently passed his degree course and got a 2:1 which is one of the highest grades possible! Clearly it didn't harm him. And I don't mean to blow mine and my families own trumpet but my children are surrounded by geniuses so I seriously doubt they'll suffer. Thanks for your input though :beer:

Also I have a question about this whole deferring for a year as it says the below taken from the Admissions Policy PDF on the Doncaster.Gov website,

"Deferred Entry

Where parents apply for admission to a reception class for a child who is not of statutory school age, and parents wish to defer entry, a child should be admitted to the class no later than the beginning of the summer term in the reception year.

Parents can request that their child attends part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age and the request will be considered where it appears to be in the best interest of the child."

That's just if my child was deemed too young for school though right?? I mean because it says "A child who not of statutory school age" they don't make things easy do they. Bloody councils!

Spendless

Also I have a question about this whole deferring for a year as it says the below taken from the Admissions Policy PDF on the Doncaster.Gov website,

"Deferred Entry


Where parents apply for admission to a reception class for a child who is not of statutory school age, and parents wish to defer entry, a child should be admitted to the class no later than the beginning of the summer term in the reception year.


Parents can request that their child attends part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age and the request will be considered where it appears to be in the best interest of the child."

That's just if my child was deemed too young for school though right?? I mean because it says "A child who not of statutory school age" they don't make things easy do they. Bloody councils!

No later than the summer term means after Easter next year. I'm unsure about the part-time bit but I don't know if they would consider it based on working hours and logistics of getting them there - I am purely guessing though.

You will find the huge majority of people in this town will put their children into Reception for Sept this year, regardless of where there birthday falls. it's been the norm here for many, many years and from having kids myself, plus friends/family/neighbours all with kids, I've only come across 2 children in my dd's year doing it (she's now 8). Neither deferred till Sept of yr 1 though, 1 started after Christmas, the other after easter in Reception year. As reagrds why does the nursery say 3-5. Also some kids will have very early Sept birthdays, but not all schools here start the Reception kids off full-time on the 1st day some stagger them in well into october, so you may find parents keep their child in nursery as well till they are going f-time (some nurseries help with the schoolrun when they have staggered starts and half days)

I can totally see where you are coming from about this, you didn't know and weren't told and have moved at a time you wouldn't have if you'd known otherwise.

Is moving earlier an option?

blue_monkey_2

Good grief, OP, you sound an utter snob. No wonder no-one speaks to each other in the morning in your school!! Maybe it is just YOU they are avoiding with that attitue.

Lucky you for being able to 'choose'. I am sure there are lots of people interested in this 'wonderful' school that has spaces available because that would be the first in any county.

FYI - 'good schools' do not have spaces this late on in the application process. Ask any parent on this thread. You know, the ones with experience, not just the ones who have 'been to school once'. Whether you choose to believe that or not. Schools have spaces for a reason so I think you are going to get a huge wake up call. Especially if there is a 'dire' school just a few miles away. I would ask yourself WHY there are spaces for people living 6 miles away is this is the case.

If you really do not want your child mixing with 'scum' as you so politely put it, maybe you should consider private school because even 'scum' go to the good 'free' schools. You are going to get one hell of a wake up call over the next few years I have to say.

You are such a good parent you could not even be bothered to find out when she had to go to school. You have had 4 years to look and make sure you did it right, what time in the last 4 of those years did you think to check the LA website?? 4 years!! And yes, you were quick enough to ship her off to nursery but could not be bothered to find out when to send her to school. And that mmakes you a good parent, how??

I think it is your daughter that is going to need to be wished the best of luck with your attitude. I'd not be surprised if you do not mae many friends at the school gate, most of us can spot the likes of you at the school gate. We have a few with your attitude now.

Spendless

blue_monkey wrote: »

Good grief, OP, you sound an utter snob. No wonder no-one speaks to each other in the morning in your school!! Maybe it is just YOU they are avoiding with that attitue.

Lucky you for being able to 'choose'. I am sure there are lots of people interested in this 'wonderful' school that has spaces available because that would be the first in any county.

FYI - 'good schools' do not have spaces this late on in the application process. Ask any parent on this thread. You know, the ones with experience, not just the ones who have 'been to school once'. Whether you choose to believe that or not. Schools have spaces for a reason so I think you are going to get a huge wake up call. Especially if there is a 'dire' school just a few miles away. I would ask yourself WHY there are spaces for people living 6 miles away is this is the case.

If you really do not want your child mixing with 'scum' as you so politely put it, maybe you should consider private school because even 'scum' go to the good 'free' schools. You are going to get one hell of a wake up call over the next few years I have to say.

You are such a good parent you could not even be bothered to find out when she had to go to school. You have had 4 years to look and make sure you did it right, what time in the last 4 of those years did you think to check the LA website?? 4 years!! And yes, you were quick enough to ship her off to nursery but could not be bothered to find out when to send her to school. And that mmakes you a good parent, how??

I think it is your daughter that is going to need to be wished the best of luck with your attitude. I'd not be surprised if you do not mae many friends at the school gate, most of us can spot the likes of you at the school gate. We have a few with your attitude now.

To be fair it is a very large town, larger than some cities, so it has a lot of schools. There are 17 Secondary schools (not included special schools) to give some idea of size. Many schools are more than 1 class per year. My local school has 2 spaces for reception this year, despite it being an outstanding school. The reason being 88 children have applied, and there is going to be 3 classess.

Kimberley82

bestpud wrote: »

FWIW I think you've made the right choice, OP.

We have an obsession with setting tiny kids off on the educational 'treadmill' early and teaching them ASAP to conform. Let's be honest, all this talk of them knowing the school routine basically means they've had a year of moulding already and know how to do what is expected by staff who have 30 other kids to control.

It will not do your child any harm to start later, OP, and in fact an extra year where she has time at home with you but also a nursery for socialising may actually do her a lot of good!

The social argument is absolute rubbish! Children dip in and out of peer groups at this age! Of course they do - they are still developing! When people have lifelong friends from this age, it is usually because
the parents got on as well tbh!

Of course it would be ludicrous to make her get up at stupid hours and endure more hours of transport just so she can start school now! How can any parent justify that for a four year old??

Don't worry about her missing out at nursery - she will be fine and a good nursery will ensure they provide activities that stretch her.

That's my thoughts anyway! All this scaremongering is not on tbh!

We shouldn't forget that a lot of parents don't even think about their child - they just see school as free childcare and the easy option!

My daughter met her best friend at 3 at pre school, they are still best friends and while I like the other girls mum we are not great friends and have not overly encouraged the friend ship.

iamana1ias

Did you go to a "good school" OP?

Only they seem to have forgotten to teach you the correct use of 'there', 'their' and 'they're', 'your' and 'you're'.

As for your attitude towards education, if you're doing so amazingly well why not homeschool?

blue_monkey_2

Spendless wrote: »

To be fair it is a very large town, larger than some cities, so it has a lot of schools. There are 17 Secondary schools (not included special schools) to give some idea of size. Many schools are more than 1 class per year. My local school has 2 spaces for reception this year, despite it being an outstanding school. The reason being 88 children have applied, and there is going to be 3 classess.

Wow. That year is just a few less than my kids entire school.

Even the schools in town do not have that many kids in each year.

However, in that case, how is the OP going to stop his daughter mixing with children like this as he has quoted:

I'm assuming nothing, I'm basing it on fact, it's smack bang in the middle of a disgusting housing estate and my child will NOT be going there FACT! Things may change, people may change, teachers may change (unlikely) pupils change etc etc but we already know that! In such schools wrapped around such dire housing estates the pupils change for even worse scumbag kids whose parents don't give a damn, I will NOT even allow my child to be anywhere near such scum. That's not open to discussion as far as I'm concerned.

I actually shudder whenever I read this. This poor child is never going to have any friends with that attitude. What an absolute shame. What is he going to do? Vet each of the 500 pupils to see if they are 'worthy' of the contact they have with his child and go and tell the teachers who she can and cannot have contact with - especially the council house scum that might also have applied.

There is a place for the likes of the OP and their children and that is private school but it looks like he is too poor to afford that option as he is looking for a state school. After all, that would give her the very best of the best and there would be no mixing with chavvy council estate scum there. Still, I guess beggars can't be choosers and all that. Obviously not as high up to social ladder as he likes to think he is. Pity that poor child of his. Good at reading and writing she might be but told who she can and cannot be friends with for her entire life - she is going to be screwed psychologically!!