Starting school
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Is he in nursery or preschool at the minute?My little boy is in his school nursery and LOVES it so it’s really eased my worries.
@Violet if they’re summer born you can apply for them to start in reception at 5, it’s a longer process with a lot more involved but it can be done! I think my son would struggle a lot starting straight into year 1 too so i wouldn’t go down that route if that was the only option, but if i can get any of the schools to agree (and my partner on board with it) to him starting in reception at 5 i would definitely prefer that for him!
@Sophie he goes to nursery at the moment, been going since 11m old, and he does have fun there but he’s a very reserved and shy child and i just worry he’ll get a bit lost in the crowd at school and wouldn’t ask if he needed help / was feeling overwhelmed, etc. i’m not necessarily concerned about him academically or anything, i just think socially and emotionally he could definitely do with more time🥲
Do you know any other kids of similar age you can do play dates with? May help if you see him interacting with others. Also I agree with your husband that 9 months is a long time (almost 1/4 of their life). I'd also worry that they'd feel they've been held back later if they're constantly a year behind their peers / always oldest in the class.
My son is very timid and reserved, it’s partly the reason we’ve picked the school choices that we have (small village school, and one that offers a really great transition which I think will benefit him) but we won’t be deferring, because other than that I think he’s ready. Another year at nursery won’t challenge or develop him in the same way. And, I do agree with your partner that sooo much changes in just a few months. You don’t have to decide now though, you can see how you feel in April.
You can apply to start to at 5 but alot of places will make your child skip reception and go straight into year one. I know my child would struggle with this alot.