There have been numerous media reports today about a new book aimed at teachers that reportedly says headteachers should not allow parents to enrol their summer born child in school at CSAge, and adjust their test scores later on instead.

This is an issue I wrote about back in August 2013 (Flexibility Exists in Law – Please Let Parents Use it), and while I haven’t yet read the book, I’m concerned whether the authors recognise CSAge legislation or include research evidence on outcomes beyond academic.

The Summer Born Campaign is quoted in The Independent’s online coverage:
Schools should adjust test scores by age to tackle disadvantage facing summer-born children, experts say

“It’s very concerning to see research suggesting forced school entry for four-year-old children, regardless of primary legislation.

“Other studies have shown the benefits of a later start, and importantly, adjusting test scores does nothing to address the well-documented social and emotional disadvantage many experience.”

Eleanor Busby’s report continues:

“It comes after a study last month suggested that summer-born children could be more likely to be diagnosed with depression by the time they reach GCSE age than older children in the school year.”

The Summer Born Campaign was also quoted on September 23rd:
Summer-born children ‘more likely to be diagnosed with depression’ than older pupils

“This study recognises the adverse effect on social and emotional outcomes for many summer-born children, and is a pattern we hope to see reversed in future years.”

She added: “It’s vital that the government acts to ensure all parents understand their right to wait until compulsory school age before their child starts school.”

• Written by author and journalist Pauline Hull