PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ PARENTS’ COMMENTS.
Please write to us with your experiences (example questions only below):
Have you been able to delay your child’s entry into reception class?
Are you facing/ did you face opposition from your local school and/or local education authority?
Why do you want your child to wait an extra year before starting school?
What has been the reaction from other parents or family members?
Have you been denied the opportunity to delay your child’s entry into reception but decided to defer their starting date until late in the reception year?
If you have an older child whose entrance into reception was delayed, are you happy with this decision or do you have any regrets?
If possible, please tell us the area you live in, as we’d really like to build up a picture of what is happening around the country. If you’ve had a positive experience with a very supportive school, please provide the name of that school, as we think it’s important to highlight good practice and to demonstrate that WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY.
summerbornchildren 
We’ve just been granted commission by our local admissions authority to delay our daughter’s reception start from September 2016 to september 2017. Her birthday is August 31st 2012. I hope this will be the right decision and feel either way, it’s a bit of a gamble. Do I face the prospect of her being too far ahead of her peers and potentially bored? Or if starting in 2016, lagging behind some of the older kids, unable to keep her eyes open by 3.30, and being the smallest/ very youngest in the class. Need a crystal ball!
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Hi, my boy is Aug 2012 but I m not getting anywhere with defer request. Can you please guide whom did you approach, school or council?? What area you are in??
Thanks.
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hi im just going through the same thing my son is the 31st august and was 6 weeks premature he is in nursery at the school he is going to be attending and they are backing me 100% how did you go about delaying your daughters intake year? did it take long to get a answer, thank you in advance
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I just got a refusal for my son to defer entry to reception. His date of birth is 17/08/12 and he was 4 weeks premature. The reason was quoted as insufficient evidence. I provided evidence of my son’s due date, but have nothing else to support my case. Could you please provide more details of how you got a positive outcome.
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Hi. We got a delay based on 5 weeks prem and born end of August. We were originally told that our LA didn’t do delays! We got the head of the school our son was going to onboard- did take some convincing- but we shared the ‘darkest day’ picture (basically what he struggled with the most). Once we had this agreement the LA was straight forward. It’s the heads that have to sign off the paperwork. Raising concerns that they won’t cope with SATs etc. (The bits that count on school data) may also help. If all else fails download a copy of Nick Gibb’s letter 8.10.15 about school admissions and send that in. Unfortunately the more fuss you make the more likely you are to get a positive response.
Good luck!
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After a lengthy exchange of correspondence we finally got a promise of deferral. However I am wondering what happens after reception? Surrey County Councils guidelines say that the child will not stay in that year indefinetely and will be expected to move a year up after key stage 1. Has anyone got any experience of this? What happens to secondary school admission. Will it mean that we have to repeat the process? By that time I might not be able to prove that my child is emotionally immature or doesn’t have fine motor skills.
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Dear Lisa,
my son is 4,5 years and I kept him in nursery instead of sending him into reception, with the plan to apply for deferral and start in reception in 2017. I have been initially misinformed by the local authorities in terms of what to submit for such an application, which I only found out recently, and with the deadline for applications fast approaching, I am now extremely worried to collect enough evidence. Would there be any chance of contacting you directly and ask you for some advice?
Many thanks for your help in advance.
Best wishes,
Kristin
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Hi everyone
My partner and I have decided to defer our Summer born son for a year; we are both Summer borns (9th and 15th Aug) our son is 2nd Aug … and we only too well how much it effects things age, 10 for the 11 plus then age 15 – when we took our GSCEs .. had we had the chance of our older peers – we would have achieved higher results.. – I did do okay; but had I taken exams the following year, I would have achieved my lifetime ambitions and know for sure I would have gained better results.
I want my intelligent son to have this hope.
He is just 3, and peers at pre school can speak etc – most are nearly 4! His speech isn’t up to scratch yet, and a few hearing problems.. (waiting on the NHS for a referral … ) so there is no way he will be ready because communication is such a big thing when they start school. Plus, he has just started pre school compared to others and won’t have as long as there either!
Starting school straight away after turning 4 had an effect on both bonding, and education for myself and my partner during our school years. We always wondered too why our friends were older, why we left school aged 15 (32 now) -and why we received so much grief from teachers from reception years plus!!! -because they could not understand why our maturity levels were not the same as our peers!!!!!!!! .. So if our local council refuse our son starting in reception 2017 when he is 5, I will then go ahead with home schooling and set up meet ups for social purposes for like minded mums in the same area.
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I wish I had known about this campaign before my 4 yo daughter started reception this year! She turned 4 on Aug 23rd. I had done some research into keeping her back but upon realising that she would have to go straight into year one I felt that wasn’t an option. I wish I had known I could appeal! I would rather her be there and struggle than skip reception all together. And she is, struggling I mean, unfortunately her school have been less than helpful and I’m at my wits end! Yesterday she came home with a book to read, actually read! She’s not even grasped the phonics yet. She couldn’t do it and for the first time got upset and felt a failure! I hope it’s not the first of many times she feels this way but I fear that it may be. She usually loves going to school and walks in with a skip and a smile, this morning I could see a look of fear on her little face and she struggles to say goodbye, wanting extra cuddles and reassurance. That just did it for me! I didn’t let her see, but I cried. I cried all the way to work, I’m a teaching assistant in a local secondary school. I cried when I got to work in the end I left and came home. It’s on my mind constantly. I’m sat worrying about her, what’s she doing, is she feeling sad, is her teacher paying her the attention she needs? I see children coming up to year 7 every day who struggle with some of the most basic things because they were failed at primary and I fear that will be my child, behind every year! I have a meeting with her head this week. I wonder what will be the outcome, will she be put on the SEN profile? I’ve turned into a quivering wreck and can honestly say that after my experience so far this year I would urge anyone with a summer child to seriously consider holding them back a year, you know your child best, push for what’s best for them until you can push no more! Make sure you are heard!
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I have been told by my daughter’s school that she cannot repeat reception, despite the fact that my daughter is summer borne and is behind the other children on many levels, she has a speech and language delay, is emotionally and socially younger than the other children, she is also under the advice of an occupational therapist, I worry that my child will never catch up with her peers.
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My son will turn 5 in July 2016. Last year he was offered a place in a Reception in a primary school near we live in Ipswich , Suffolk. But as he was just 4 years and 2 months, we requested the council to defer it till next year. But unfortunately, till now I have hear nothing about it from the council. I called them, but they say, the decision is not yet made. Now we are in precarious condition as it is time to apply for next years admission.
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Though, the DofE has asked the local council to take immediate action in this regard, but my experience is totally different. I had applied for my son who was born in first week of July 2011 for deferment to reception from 2016 but Suffolk County Council has straightway rejected and has asked to start his reception from summer this academic year and year one from September 2016.
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I’ve had a positive response from my local school in regards to my August 2012 child starting reception in 2017 at age 5. Also spoke to the council who said to just apply with next years intake. I’m surprised it’s been this easy.
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Hi. Yes after a long protracted battle and the threat of legal action; common sense prevailed. The authority agreed to backyear her based on her age and special needs of which we had amassed alot of evidence in favour of our argument. It was actually through speaking to the head of the special needs team (the person who has the final and overruling decision) about our daughter that they could see a) we wasn’t going to back down and b) she really needed to be backyeared.
It was possibly the happiest moment (barring getting married) of my life!! -Kate
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I m based in Orpington, Bromley. My boy is August 2012 born and I m not getting anywhere with defer request. Local school clearly says that there’s nothing in black and white from government and schools have no obligation to defer the child. I m forced to put my child to school in 2016. It’s just sad that how parents are forced to destroy their children’s future.
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I was sent this by a fiend:
I’m going through the same thing with my daughter born August 2012, I don’t want her to miss reception but want her to start next year rather than this September. I’m finding it difficult but not impossible. I’m worried though now I’ve been told that we have to meet with the school as the request needs to be evidenced. She’s bright as a button with no special needs. My only reasons are that I feel I’m being robbed of 12 months with my child, if only she’d have been born a week later.
Also I don’t want her to be the one struggling due to her age when she could be flying in the year below.
How do I provide evidence that will get me the result I want? I’ve seen cases around the country where parents have succeeded with no specific ‘good reasons’.
On the up side, there is the possibity of us starting nursery (part time) instead of reception this year so if they did decide she had to go straight into year 1 I suppose it wouldn’t be so bad.
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It is all down to Headteacher. In my case I requested and head agreed. I know how u feeling. It’s not fair to treat them differently just because they are born few days /weeks before 31St Aug.
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Our Son was born Aug 2012 (aside the fact that both myself and my partner had ADHD and were born days ahead of our son back in the 1980s) -we know what a huge difference to his future it’ll make backdating his start year – by a year. He has potential autism/SDP/Hearing loss or ADHD -we just don’t know what the issue is yet!! and severe speech delay – we don’t even know if a main stream school will be suitable because we are waiting on referrals.. then waiting on treatment … we have only just discovered there was an issue because guess what … he didn’t start pre school until end of Sep 15 (after he turned 3)!! We want him to stay put at his current pre school for another year because they are organising a statement / therapy to help him and have the staff … why on earth would I get him help for five months – to start a mainstream school in sep 16 where he will need more assessments another statement etc etc – and one teacher struggling (aside a class of 22-30) will have a hell of a time trying to get my son to sit and comply – besides the fact he would have just turned 4 and wouldn’t be able to understand her/him anyway!! … PLEASE LET OUR SUMMER BORNS HAVE THE SAME DARN CHANCES AS THERE PEERS!!! one year makes a big difference … we have to request a deferral until Sep 2017- when he will have just turned 5.
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Can anyone tell me how to join the Facebook page? I have requested to join but nothing has happened.
Has anyone had any success delaying school entry in west sussex? It feels like we are really up against it. They want evidence but I’m not sure what to give. My son is a July birthday but was due in October and is so much more like a younger child. He isn’t under any medical professionals any more. Nursery have offered to write a letter saying he will benefit from another year there but I don’t think this will be enough. I went to meet the head of our nearest school which was going to be my first choice and he said absolutely not, he doesn’t condone this and my son will be fine. He has never even met my son. So frustrated.
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Hey I’m in East Sussex and I have just been declined for my 4 yr old son who’s a July baby to be deferred to reception in September I’ve been told he’ll have to go into yr 1. I have had my playschool write evidence and give proof that my son won’t cope in yr 1 as he so behind but the independent team who assess children said ino their opinion my son has no reason to be deferred, they have never met my son or spoken to the playschool managers or SEN team who work along side my child.. my 7 yr old daughter attends the school we asked for and the head had to give her opinion and she wouldn’t back our case so I think it gonna be handed to our local MP as my son hasn’t been given a chance. Don’t give up without a fight if you feel your child will benefit from the extra year then take it further I think the government needs to set a new guideline that everyone can understand…
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Hi. Definitely pursue this we got ours through 3 years ago and it has made the world of difference to our now 7 year old. As well as your MP it is also worth contacting Stephen Hammond (as he raised it in the commons to which Nick Gibb- also worth copying in- responded). The more parents that chase the MPs the better. As you rightly say it’s a bitterly unfair situation that needs resolving through legislation that is not subject to interpretation. Good luck with the next steps.
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Who do I approach about discussing a deferred entry to reception, my son is in nursery and I have applied for his reception place but I don’t think he will cope, he only manages 1/3 of nursery as he is either unwell or exhausted. he has a hearing impairment and little speech and is still in nappies. all due to a difficult birth.
Do I contact the LA admissions, the head teacher or speak to nursery staff?
Will he be able to stay at nursery for an extra year or will I need to find him somewhere else.
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Hi Cari
We got hold of the head and spoke to them. Once we had them on side the local authority followed. When initially we raised it with the local authority we were told “we don’t do that here”. 2 points really – start the conversation asap, more heads are coming round to it and don’t take no for an answer. Any good head will put the child’s needs ahead of additional paperwork. Good luck. Caroline
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My twins are premature born 10 weeks early due date they started reception class this year born 18.03.2011 but they have emotional problem and fall behind other peers what should I do if I hold them back will they skip reception class next year and start from year 1
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Hi, despite our request (backed up by letters of support) to our local education authority for delayed entry in sept 2015 our son was ‘forced’ to start in September, his birthday was August 19th BUT he was 11 weeks premature with a due date of Nov 2nd. The reason cited for our request being denied was ‘insufficient evidence’ that he would not be at the same level as his peers. Well,unsurprisingly, shortly after starting reception he was assessed as being developmentally behind his peers across most areas of learning and so put on an individualised learning plan so that he can access the class curriculum. We feel this is hard evidence that he has started too soon and we are fearful this will predict his future educational path. Does anyone have any experience in being granted permission to repeat reception? I sense it will be a battle but I feel passionately his prematurity has forced him to be compared to peers who are too old and that this will strongly disadvantage him in the future when it comes to examinations etc.
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Hi.
My son was born 18 Aug 2012 and due 5th Sept. We are battling to get a delayed entry too. Emotionally I do not feel he is ready or would cope. Your story of your little boy really confirmed to me the importance to delay if we feel hes not ready.
Can you take your son out of school and have him start next year. It sounds like its going to be a struggle for him right from the start. Will this knock his confidence as he grows? Don’t forget the compulsory age to start is 5. You don’t have to send him before then if you choose.
Good luck.
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I have requested to delay our daughters reception year. She is a June baby, and whilst able, is extremely sensitive and finds nursery exhausting. She is making improvements but I feel she would benefit from another year of free play to mature. Unfortunately the LEA have been very negative in their responses. It seems that we need a clinical psychologist report to agree with us. We haven’t gone down this route and have been told that our request is unlikely to be granted. I’m very frustrated that decisions are not being made in her best interest.
Any tips anyone?
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Excuse me Pflan but from this year you have the right to delay reception 1 year later without the need of professional evidence. The government announced this right for parents from this year. You can find it in the news, in the uk gov website, and in Councils website under the page school admissions.Nobody can give you a negative response because the low has changed this year and it is compulsory for all the council schools.
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I’m a nursery teacher, and the parents of a child in my class want him to have an extra year in Nursery (ie: effectively delaying his entry to reception by 1 year). He is a summer born child. She has my complete backing for this- he would really benefit from an extra year with us. What do I/the parents need to do to make this happen? From reading the posts here it seems we need to apply to the council for permission- is this the same across England or do different boroughs have different rules?
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Hi Sharon
Best way of supporting these parents is to join them for a meeting with the Head of the school they want the child to go to. This will reinforce that the decision has been thought through and is supported by professional (you). Once everyone is onboard with the idea then contact the local authority. The decision paperwork will be filled out by the head, not the LA who just have to rubber stamp it.
Good luck, Caroline
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I have a late August girl at a private school in Surrey and have asked to delay her entry into reception. I have been informed that they will not allow this . She is unable to speak properly and is already starting to become frustrated as she is being pushed in nursery to catch up with the phoenics . She is becoming upset and frustrated. We are exploring other schools in the area .
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So today we got an email from Brighton and Hove agreeing to our son deferring his entry into reception until Sept 2017. His birthday is 28th August, 2012 so this will be just after his 5th birthday.
The process was actually fairly straightforward – we applied as usual (we have a child in year 1 already) and simply attached the request for deferral along with a report from a speech therapist who has seen him three times as he is a slow developer when it comes to putting sentences together. We also wrote our own report outlining why we felt our son would not be ready to go to school just days after his 4th birthday and quoted reports from the media regarding the changes to school starts which are due to come into practice next year. We also made it clear why we didn’t want him to miss reception and go straight to Year 1. We are really pleased – another year of free play and a chance to develop emotionally and also develop language skills will be the best thing for our son.
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I submitted a report from a speech therapist along with my request and quoted from a recent article in The Guardian which said all schools have been written to by the school’s minister telling them they must take the views of summer born’s parents with immediate effect. Don’t give up – try again with a detailed outline in your own words of why your child will not be ready. Good luck.
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Hello. I have an August born son, due to start reception Sept 2017 and I am just starting to consider whether I should attempt to delay his start to 2018. Does anyone know if there is an impact to secondary school – if I delayed will he be able to stay in that cohort right through primary and secondary or will there be pressure for him to ‘catch up’ during primary and start secondary in the ‘correct age’ cohort?
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Hi there, I am in the same situation as you in terms of school years and wondered if you found the answer?
Many thanks
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Hi
I wonder how the new changes to make every school an Acdemy will impact Summer born children?
Academy’s seem to have their own eyes of dealing with this… I.e. Using their own Governing Body.
Richard
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The only school willing to accept our son out of cohort was a Harris Academy. I really can’t speak highly enough of them.
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Hi. Go for it! We have an extremely happy 7 year old having made this decision for him 4 years ago! According to Nick Gibb’s letter 8/10/15 (have a look on google) once a deferment has taken place it remains in place throughout schooling. Just waiting for this to be confirmed as policy. In the meantime…No head is going to bump them up a year now everything is hanging on progress. Good luck.
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Hi Everyone,
We have just started the fight for our summer born son to be allowed to start reception next September instead of this September. Our son’s due date was in August but due to complications, he was born in July, and not only is he summer born, but he is very immature and not age appropriate in many areas, which will make it very tricky for him to sit and listen at school. We feel that he is also not ready emotionally. All schools we applied for has rejected our request. We feel completely let down. We are now facing having to pay out thousands of pounds to obtain medical “evidence” (ridiculous as there is no way a 3 year old can be accurately assessed by a a psychologist, at this age they are just too young for a cognitive assessment, which is why our GP, who btw. 100% supports his deferral, refused to waste resources and refer my son, but we have to do it to give us a better fighting chance), and we are in for the stressful lengthy fight like many others here.
We have decided that we are going to fight this because it is in no way my son’s best interest to start school this year or miss out on education, but based on what I read here and what the schools so far say, this is going to be a very long and stressful fight. It is an absolute disgrace that we are put into this situation, and I can only hope that consultation will be held soon and finally the code will be re-written, this is a completely unacceptable situation.
Good luck to everyone in the same shoes!
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I have just spoken to Hertfordshire school admissions about delaying my daughters start till next year – her birthday is 31st August 2012. They said this was fine I just have to apply for reception again in November. Has anyone else done this? I asked them twice to confirm she could join reception and not the 1!!
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Congratulations, you are very lucky, I guess it’s also because your little one’s birthday is just a day short of September, but either way that’s fantastic news, well done ! You have been spared a lot of stress and also cash (we are now in the thousands of £ spent on “evidence” even though a 3 year old can’t be accurately assessed and the whole thing is medically unnecessary ) and we still don’t know if our son gets the approval. Please also look up and refer to the scale study as apparently some councils backed down after seeing the results of that. Good luck to everyone !
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Hi Annie
Do you have a link to the website re scales? Google search pulls up a lot of strange things.
I agree, Roz is very lucky. I just want another year with my daughter so having to provide evidence will be difficult. It’s a shame some authorities are so difficult to deal with while others are so accommodating. I really hope the government change things with legislation rather than polite suggestions.
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I have been told the same. I’m just worried it’s been to easy. The school told me I just refuse his place at primary school and re apply in November. I just hope that it’s reception and not yesr one. They keep telling me it’s fine but I’m just not sure.
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Hi Freya,
Sure, it’s http://www.scalestudy.co.uk
The published paper:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.12431/abstract
Conclusion
The youngest children starting school have relatively immature language and behaviour skills and many are not yet ready to meet the academic and social demands of the classroom. At a population level, developing oral language skills and/or ensuring academic targets reflect developmental capacity could substantially reduce the numbers of children requiring specialist clinical services in later years.
Download the PDF:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.12431/pdf
I have contacted a number of educational psychologists to see who can do my son’s assessment as soon as possible (many have dates in September or later!) and one of them kindly replied saying she is in Surrey, 2 of her clients have been able to get approval based on just citing this study and that I should give this a try first. Hope this helps, best of luck Freya!
Annie
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We have just been granted permission by our local admissions authority (Warrington) to delay school entry and have our son taught out of cohort.
Our reasoning was that our son was prem (due in August), has ongoing health concerns as a result which adversely affects his attendance at pre-school (and will impact negatively on his school attendance), he would also be unlikely to cope with a full school day and would need a part time timetable. He is behind his peers in most development areas and due to his health concerns and the impact of those on his attendance is not going to be able to close the gaps.
The application process was easy (just an email with any supporting information we had) and they only took two school weeks to decide. I phoned admissions twice to discuss sending an application all they really said was that they try to avoid teaching children out of cohort and only do it under extreme circumstances. There was no information about what that might mean (I scouted various other authority websites for clarification on the kind of circumstances that might warrant permission and the potential future impact before applying to ensure that I was right).
Most family and friends have been supportive but there were a few dissenting voices, mostly disbelieving the evidence but some concern about whether he might be bullied in later years (a risk you take either way I think). The fact that we have the authority’s support when they made it clear that they try to avoid this wherever possible is a relief and makes me feel vindicated when thinking of those dissenters.
We left our application very late, but were assured that it would be considered whenever we submitted it and indeed it was – so it isn’t too late.
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Hi Freya,
I have tried posting the links but I think the moderator didn’t allow it.
It is the Scales study conducted by Professor Courtney Norbury at Royal Holloway College, Univ of London. She is carrying out research and finding the summer born children are at a significant disadvantage in developing language and literacy skills.
The site link is 3 times w then a . and then scalestudy and the there is a . and then there is a co and again a . and then uk. On the right hand side of the page if you scroll down, you will see the links to the actual paper as well, under “Latest News”
It says “4th June– Our first SCALES paper has been published today in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry – You may have seen Prof. Courtenay Norbury on ITV’s Good Morning Britain talking about our key findings!” – with the link available when clicking on the underlined text.
To the moderators: ladies/gents, you should put this up under the evidence section, as it may help some parents to achieve the desired outcome for their children!
Good luck to all! xx
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Brilliant, thanks Annie.
I’ll update with progress when I have some (or not)
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Fab, thank you!
Does anyone know of any other studies or papers published in journals that we could refer to when writing a supporting letter?
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Hi…anyone ever applied for delayed entrance to reception in ealing ?
We have to put forward our case to the admissions authority by 20th May plus any supporting documents.
Our son was born on 23rd aug and teally want him to have another year at nursery as his speach is behind his peers and he struggles to communicate.
Thanks
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Thanks Annie
I’ll have a look at that asap. Very interesting!!
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I bumped in to this site while searching for something and it seems like a blessing in disguise. My daughter was born on August 26th 2009 and I moved to London from Singapore in December 2014. We currently live in Harrow. Based on age criteria, she got admitted in to Year 1. Given that it was in-year admission, I couldnt do anything about it. She struggled quite a bit especially due to change in language, accent, etc and didn’t meet the minimum level in the Year 1 end of year assessment. Shes currently in Year 2 and her scores are definitely below average. I can see that she is very much in the year 1 level and its been a tough job for us to prepare her for Year 2 SATS. When I moved to London, I did ask if my daughter could go to reception and I was told NO. Now that we have the statement from the government, I am thinking of asking the head teacher if she can repeat Year 2. I know it will affect her dynamics temporarily because she will miss her friends but I am sure she will flourish in the longer team.
Has anyone in this group managed to repeat their kid in Year 1/2? If yes, could you please share your experience?
Thanks!
Regards
Venkatesh
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My daughter is late August born, and we have just had the induction meeting at the local primary school that has offered her a place. I raised my concerns due to being born late August, and some other personal issues that I believe will impact her upon starting school. I was told that flexible time is offered and can be reviewers, and a deferred start is offered, although that would mean joining straight into year 1 and missing reception.
I have to write a letter to the school before THIS Friday requesting a flexible part-time start. Has anyone else done this? Can anyone offer any advice on what to actually write? Thanks!
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Hi, I can’t offer you any advice but I am going to request that my child start reception part-time as his birthday is at the end of July. I am thinking of initially requesting that he just attends for mornings as I do not think he is emotionally ready to start school full-time. I have not yet had the induction meeting, though. I a hoping the school will be sympathetic. Good luck!
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Hi Kat
Sorry I know this is too late. I hope you got on ok. You have a right to the reception place you are offered and you have a right to defer until the January or April term. It’s not the schools choice, it’s yours.
I’ve tried to post an update on my situation but as there’s links in it its not here (yet?)
I’ve decided to accept the reception place in the ‘correct’ year group but delay start until the April before my daughter is 5. She will only do o e full term of reception but at least I have here here for nearly 12 months.
I printed a lot of documentation off and spent hours highlighting it ready to go and meet with the school, they were brilliant and I think they would have had no problem letting me defer and start reception a year later, unfortunately they told me they were o er subscribed for nursery this time which meant I had very little chance of a reception place next year, we live out of catchment area so would be low on the list.
I’m happy with how things are as they also said that 60% of Phoebe’s class mates are summer born so she hwouldnt be on her own. They also adjust the way they teach different age groups at that age anyway. I think I’ve just landed a place at a really good school.
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Hi all.
Just an update on our situation. I’ve decided not to defer for the full 12 months and try for an out of year reception place due to the fact that the school we’ve managed to get into (not our local one) is over subscribed for nursery this year so we’ve got. I chance for reception next year.
We net with the head teacher and head of early years and they were very accommodating. They suggested we defer until the summer term which means starting in April and only doing 1 term before year 1. Well also start on a part time/ settle in basis before this.
They also told me that 60% of the class would be summer born, this has put my mind at rest.
I was worried about going in to provide ‘evidence’ when really there wasn’t any. It was my choice.
I would advise anyone to look at the information below and provide this as evidence. Also, it seems that the government are about to make it parents choice, so I the basis if that alone why should a school refuse? There are two recent studies, all the evidence from the Scandinavian countries, plus the fact the government seem to shifting. I hope this helps, paticulaly for those of you who do really feel your child will struggle.
Annie provided his link to Scales study:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1111/jcpp.12431/asset/jcpp12431.pdf?v=1&t=iotnn3hb&s=c60504bd6f431099b64df9edd6b867f91d2d669a
**also look at Cotzias & Whitehorn, 2013 which is mentioned in the above**
Government paper about proposed changes:
Click to access Educational_Excellence_Everywhere.pdf
Comments from headteacher on this page:
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Hi all. According to Nick Gibb’s letter it shouldn’t. We took the gamble as hopefully by the time they get to secondary school the DfE will have sorted this mess out!
Best decision we ever made!
Good luck. Caroline
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I can understand all the concerns and thoughts you have, having been through the same process. My daughter is an August child..now 6 and near the end of year 2. What we found was that she was almost a year younger due to some kids in her class being born in Sep..and this meant she was not as emotionally or physically resilient as the older children. Academically she was also at a disadvantage….but what we found is that half way through the year she moved up a gear because she saw other kids appear more able and she progressed seeing the other kids as motivation. She was at the same level as many of the kids in her class in yr1 and this year we have been told that she is in the top half of the class. Her work puts her above average for her age, and I believe this is because she really wants to be as good as she possibly can and she has matured amazingly. This of course does not apply to everyone…but just wanted to say just because you have an August born child does not mean they will always suffer, sometimes it pushes them to be better. If my daughter had been deferred a year she would be one of the oldest…and I wonder if the need to push herself would have been as evident. Which may have had a negative impact on her progression. Of course these are early days, but she is so grounded that with the strong foundations she has built I can only feel proud of what she has achieved at 6. She has her flaws…in that she is very shy, even towards her teachers, which gets better as the year goes on…but even with people and in some situations. But she’s happy at school which is probably the most important thing.
Every child is different and if you feel deferring is right for your child then yes go for it…but just don’t discount how amazing kids are and being younger may well push them to be better.
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Hi everybody,
What a fantastic and inspiring site.We are just in the process of drafting a letter to our local authority to defer our daughter for one year and for her to be admitted into the reception class when she is 5, which will be 09/08/2017.I wanted to quote some studies in our letter to enforce the point that summer born children who aren’t ready for school.Can somebody kindly send me some links? I don’t know where to start.Our daughter is working in the 30-50 months stage of the early years foundation stage, but she is still young for her age and her concentration isn’t their yet
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Hi Hannah,
I previously posted a complied list that i’d been given, all very useful. It’s somewhere up the thread from a couple of weeks ago. Here’s the section with the links… Hope it helps.
I was worried about going in to provide ‘evidence’ when really there wasn’t any. It was my choice.
I would advise anyone to look at the information below and provide this as evidence. Also, it seems that the government are about to make it parents choice, so I the basis if that alone why should a school refuse? There are two recent studies, all the evidence from the Scandinavian countries, plus the fact the government seem to shifting. I hope this helps, paticulaly for those of you who do really feel your child will struggle.
Annie provided his link to Scales study:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1111/jcpp.12431/asset/jcpp12431.pdf?v=1&t=iotnn3hb&s=c60504bd6f431099b64df9edd6b867f91d2d669a
**also look at Cotzias & Whitehorn, 2013 which is mentioned in the above**
Government paper about proposed changes:
Click to access Educational_Excellence_Everywhere.pdf
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Hi everyone!
I found this site by accident and just what I need. I have a June 2013 son with global developmental delay and autistic tendencies he’s a year behind in most areas especially speech he will be due to start in sept 2017 but I believe he would be better in the 2018 start. I don’t know how to go about applying for a delayed start we are Cambridge City Council.
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Thankyou for your response Freya.Very kind of you.Will I have to apply again for the school? Or will they just defer her place into Reception? It just seems so unfair for her to get the offer of a place and then have to go through the whole admissions process again.I feel like we are being penalised for having a summer born child who isn’t quite ready to start school.
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I tried to post the other day but it never came up.Does anybody know if we will have to apply all over again after we defer this year?We want to start her September 2017 when she will be just 5.She has a place at a sought after primary school for this coming September. How were we to know that she wouldn’t be ready?.It seems unfair that she got the place fair and square and we have to apply for it again with the possibility of us not getting a place.Feels like we are being penalised.I want her to have a full year of reception, I will not send her for a part time timetable or start her later on in the academic year. I can’t help but feel incredibly frustrated. Oh well, I suppose things always work out for the good.
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Hi Hannah
I think it depends on the local authority. You would need to contact them for advice.
I was told to apply then reject my place and re-apply the following year, my head was spinning when the woman was telling me what I had to do.
Because we got into our chosen school we’ve decided to go with it anyway. We will be able to accept the place then defer to a later term. If you are happy to do that its totally within your rights. Our school told us that we could delay start until April next year and start on a part time basis before then so I’m getting the extra time with my little girl but she won’t do the full year in reception.
Once you start applying and talking to the school etc you may find it easier to make the decision. I felt much better after meeting the headteacher at the school.
Before that though I was thinking of just winging it and reapplying in 2017 as the government portal will make it easier by then apparently.
Meet with the school and be open to options. You might find a choice that makes you comfortable. I was lucky that there wasn’t any resistance and they were really nice, but that’s another reason I don’t want to lose the place. It’s a great school.
Let us know how you get on.
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Yes you will have to reapply again for the next admission round. We have to reapply for my July 2012 son so he can start reception in 2017.
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Has anybody with summer baby had there child go into reception when they should, them not progress and all and the school want them to stay in reception for another year? Our little boy is a June baby and we’re nearing the end of reception yr and he can’t write or read and has trouble talking still. We’re In East Sussex.
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Yes my little boy was held back in reception for another year, he is a July baby, at the time I was devastated as his friends are moving up and he wasn’t but he was with five others who were staying in reception to. It’s done him the world of good a year on, he can read fluently and write sentences I have learnt not to worry about their learning development as each child Learns at their own rate. I was worried that my little boy would lag behind,but the extra year in reception has done him the world of good. Try not to stress about it I’m sure he will get there in his own time.
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I am wondering if I can be given some advice on what to do. . .my 3 year old (turns 4 on July 22nd) is being placed in reception, but he isn’t ready for it. His last nursery assessment is as follows:
Managing feelings and behavior 8 – 20 mths
Understanding 16 – 26 mths
Speaking 16 – 26 mths
Managing relationships 16 – 26 emerging to 22 – 36 mths
Listening and attention 22 -36 mths
Moving and handling 22 – 36 emerging into 30 – 50 mths
Health and self-care 22 – 36 emerging into 30 – 50 mths
He is in the process of being seen by a pediatrician to help with diagnosis with possible ADHD or dyspraxia but that won’t be until earliest Christmas to next May. Is there anything that can be done stop him being placed in a grade he isn’t ready for???
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Hi Ruth,
I can only give you one advice and that is to fight with tooth and nail to get your son deferred and him being allowed to start reception next year’s September at the age of 5. It can be done and it’s worth fighting for if you feel that he is not ready. I have commissioned an educational psychologist, got letter from my GP to support us, as well as a letter from the speech therapist I hired to help my son, printed out a book worth of evidence from studies, written to our MP and the DfE, even wrote a letter to Nick Gibbs. Finally I sought legal advice and lined up my savings in case I need to take legal action. Ironically I will find out today if we succeeded or not, but if it’s a no, I will take it as far as I have to. Only after I exhausted all possible avenues will I admit defeat. Our children deserve a fair chance to succeed in the long term and no amount of effort is too much to achieve that.
I wish you the best of luck!
Annie
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Unfortunately we were unsuccessful, and without being able to appeal the descion there is nothing I can do. I do know I will be looking into a different school after this year. I can’t stay with a school that says one thing and then does another thing.
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Hi Ruth,
So, we now know that we have been successful and my son will be allowed to apply for a reception place in 2017, and will not be forced to year 1.
Initially we were also unsuccessful! Every single school we put down outright rejected us. Don’t give up. When we have been rejected I have contacted the schools and requested that they reconsider in light of new evidence (that is when I have commissioned the professionals too). I have got the support of our local MP, collected letters form a pediatrician and a clinical psychhologist, then a full assessment was carried out y an educational psychologist. Our GP also provided a letter. I have also explained to the schools that I am in the position of being able get professional help for my son and fully intend to do so, in order for him to mature and catch up as much as possible by September 2017. Our second choice of school still said no, so I said bring it on, point me to the complaints process, once I exhausted that, I will take it to DfE in form of a complaint, and if that fails, see you in court. However, our first choice school where we most likely would get a place next year accepted our request now so I won’t be bothering pursuing the other school now. But just goes to show that even though there was no appeal, it doesn’t mean they can turn their back, I have also consulted a solicitor and even taking legal action is an absolutely possible option.
I am happy to share more details on what steps we have taken and how we have been pursuing this, but my advice to you is that don’t give up. I am grateful for this website because reading other parents bitter battle with positive outcomes in the end gave me strength and hope.
Good luck!
Annie
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That is great news Annie!!! So happy the process has worked for you and your son. Because my son is delayed we have an educational psychologist, pre-school teachers, speech therapist, etc. Unfortunately all these professionals disagree with me and think it is in the best interest for my son to go to reception. It seems like I don’t know what I am talking about and have to watch my second child go into a grade he isn’t ready. My eldest also was recommended to start reception when I felt it was to early (her birthday is May 26) with a result that she barely made it through. Sure her speaking has come on, and she has grown but when it comes to it she is probably one of the most behind kids in her class. But as her reception teacher told me, not to expect much from her, just expect her to be happy. That is what every parent wants to hear!!!
How can contact schools, now that the school year is over with?
Ruth
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Hi Ruth,
Its great to know that you were successful…. very few success stories.
You mentioned you were considering to take the School to court, is it possible to know which Solicitor you approached please? As the School in Reading Borough, is still not allowing our child to repeat his reception year even though he scored below average (emerging) on most of his Learning areas.
Would appreciate any help.
Thanks.
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Hi Ruth,
Its great to know that you were successful…. very few success stories.
You mentioned you were considering to take the School to court, is it possible to know which Solicitor you approached please? As the School in Reading Borough, is still not allowing our child to repeat his reception year even though he scored below average (emerging) on most of his Learning areas.
Would appreciate any help.
Thanks.
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Hi Richard,
I actually wasn’t successful, but the lady responding to my post Annie was. I have tried everything I can think of, and asked everyone who might help and no one is willing to help in any way!!! It is disgusting how the education system is willing to push children who are clearly not ready for the next educational step into a grade they aren’t going to be able to handle. I have three children, my eldest (born May 26) has speech delay and comprehension problems I wanted to delay her but was refused this request. I was told that she would want to try to keep up with her classmates. She only had two expected scores and fifteen emerging scores on her end of year report. So she will entering year 1 even more behind. Now my second child who I am trying desperately to be held back (born July 22) has speech delay, behavioral issues, and learning difficulties. We are on a waiting list to be seen by pediatrician but the waiting time for this is anywhere from Christmas to next May. The only thing school wants to offer us, is when he starts reception, if he has any problems he can visit the nursery. Which I don’t see how this is a answer. It is as ridiculous as deferring a child who is clearly already behind in nursery up to the Easter break. Then move that child to reception, so everything his now classmates would have learned up to that point he has lost (and won’t get back) and will be expected to enter year 1. I wish legal action is something would could consider. I wish the school was honest and not tell us the parents know best and our concerns will be respected when they clearly aren’t.
If you have the means fight as hard as you can!!! I wish the absolute best!!! No parent should be put this torture!!!
Ruth
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Hi Ruth
I’m pretty sure that the government are changing the way you apply next year, there are some links to studies and government docs further up the thread.
It may be worth just refusing the place you are offered and risking it by just applying again next year.
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Hi All,
Still continuing with my fight.
School have put my child for an Educational Psychologist (EP) assessment waiting list, but I wanted to know what exactly is contained within the EP report.
Does anyone here have a EP Report, done by the school EP, that they can share (without any private/confidential info)?
I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Richard.
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