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From: Alexandra Ruddy Sent: 01 October 2015 12:18 To: Scrutiny
Subject: School starting age
I've been reading with interest the comments on the Facebook thread regarding this issue.
I think there are two issues here. Firstly the age all children start school, and secondly whether those with summer birthdays should be able to start the following year.
I have 3 children- birthdays There are numerous factors that play a part in whether they were ready for school at the age of 4. Namely- gender, birthday and sibling order. My eldest is a and a summer baby. All these factors conspire against and I do think there is a marked difference between and his peers- even now in year 6.
My youngest is also a but is old in the year. also has two older siblings and therefore thinks he is actually 10. was more than ready for school when started in September and in fact this morning complained school was boring because all they did was play!
wants to learn!
My middle child is a and born in April. is basically the ideal sex, age and order in the family to be ready for school at age 4.
My birthday is At no point has that seemed to hold me back. I was a high achiever at school and had no social issues. My mum said I was ready for school and my only problem was that I was too small to put my chair on the table at the end of the day!
My view, for what it is worth, is that the early years curriculum seems fantastic for the age that they start school with a huge emphasis on play.
My only thoughts would be that parents should be given the option with summer babies of delaying their start date. Each parent will know their child. I would have delayed my eldest starting but not the others. My children have just started at after a 3 year stint in the
. The reception class is divided in two by age- I think this is a fantastic idea!
Obviously for those schools like their previous school in where it is only one form entry this isn't practical but it shows that this school identifies the difference and caters accordingly.
Having been a stay at home mum with my youngest child (I worked part time with two) I honestly believe that children get to the age of 4 and need to spend time playing and integrating with others with some education thrown in.
Kind regards,
Alex
Alexandra Ruddy (Mrs)
