Setting our Children up for Failure Before Compulsory School Age
This is a must-watch video, and explains the sheer level of assessment that is now taking place in Reception Classes throughout the country.
Summer born discussion on BBC Radio Ulster today
Liz Fawcett
The BBC radio programme Talkback, today discussed the subject of allowing a flexible school start for summer born children. Guests included the ParentsOutloud campaigner Liz Fawcett, and the Education Minister, who has promised to at least consider the possibility (see press release for more information).
You can to can listen again to today’s Talkback here.
Save Childhood Movement starts with a Flourish
Last weekend, savechildhood.net hosted its very first ‘Flourish Summit‘ in London, and I was very fortunately able to attend on Saturday.
When time permits, I will write about some of the incredible speakers I heard there, and I understand that there may be videos of their talks available online soon, but for now, it’s worth mentioning that our Campaign for Flexible School Admissions has been added to the Summit’s list of Active Campaigns. Continue reading
Changing Education Paradigms
Fellow campaigner Stefan Richter told me about this video; it contains part of a presentation by Sir Ken Robinson and includes an observation that is very relevant to summer born children:
““We still educate children by batches… we put them through the system by
age group. Why do we do that? Why is there this assumption that the most important thing kids have in common is how old they are? …It’s like the most important thing about them is their date of manufacture. …If you’re interested in the model of learning, you don’t start from this production line mentality.”
School Myths and Facts – published by the government
Last Monday, April 8, 2013, a poster on Mumsnet provided this link to a government publication, and wrote that the following text was copied from page 6:
“Myth: Where the parent of a summer born child wishes to defer their entry to school until they reach compulsory school age, they must be admitted to Year 1 rather than Reception.
Fact: Schools must provide for the admission of all children Continue reading
The Need to Clarify some Admissions Facts
DfE Scope note/definition of Compulsory education:
“Parents of children of compulsory school age (5-16) are required to ensure that they receive a suitable education by regular attendance at school or otherwise.”
DfE Scope note/definition of Attendance:
“A person begins to be of compulsory school age on the prescribed day which either falls on or follows a person’s fifth birthday. The prescribed days are currently 31st August, 31st December and 31st March, ie the term following the person’s fifth birthday. A person ceases to be of compulsory school age on the school leaving date in the academic year in which they turns 16.” Continue reading
Is it all about the (EYE) money, money, money?
The Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF) reforms mean that all local authorities must provide funding for free nursery education for 3 and 4 year olds.
As of September 1, 2012, local authorities must secure availability of 15 hours per week for all eligible children, over at least 38 weeks each year, from the eligible date following their 3rd birthday (1st January, 1st April or 1st September) until they reach compulsory school age (the beginning of the term following their 5th birthday). Continue reading
When and Why did ‘School start'” become synonymous with ‘Year 1’ start?
Monopoly Chance card: “Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
Essentially, summer born children whose parents want them to start school at compulsory school age* are given a similar message: “Go directly to Year 1. Do not experience the benefits of attending Reception Class. Do not accumulate the invaluable foundation skills that are provided there.” Continue reading
Campaign for Flexible School Admissions for Summer Borns
This campaign has been put together by parents, carers and professionals who believe that a summer born child should be allowed to start primary school, in Reception class, aged 5.
Reception class is aimed primarily at 5 year olds.(1)
Compulsory school age is the beginning of the term following a child’s fifth birthday.(2)
The law stipulates that education be suitable to a child’s age, ability and aptitude.(3)
Everybody has the right to an effective education.(4) Continue reading
summerbornchildren 