Should my Summer Born Child Start School This Year? Your Questions Answered

Is your child a Cancer, Leo or Virgo? If so, he or she was born during the summer months of the year. This can sometimes present a slight issue for parents in regard to when they should begin school. While there are few rules “written in stone”, there are still a number of questions to address in order to determine the best time to begin the educational process. Let’s answer some of the most common to provide you with additional clarity and insight.

What do Government Regulations Say?

It is first wise to list a handful of important takeaway points. According to the Department for Education, children will be permitted to start school during the September that follows their fourth birthday (1). Having said this, some parents may instead choose to wait until their child has reached the mandatory age when school is required (five years old). In other words, they can put off the educational process until the following September if desired.

Can My Child Attend on a Part-Time or Deferred Basis?

Children who are under the compulsory age of five can sometimes enjoy other options. It may be possible for a parent to send the child to school on a part-time basis. There is also the possibility that the start of his or her scholastic year can be delayed up until a certain point. However, keep in mind that these decisions will need to be discussed with the institution. They will ultimately be based around the best outcome for the child.

Are Summer-Born Children at an Educational Disadvantage?

Let’s assume for a moment that your child will be starting school at the age of four. Might there be any performance issues? While some studies have shown that autumn-born children learn faster, this evidence is still debatable. We need to remember that every child will develop at a different rate. This is particularly relevant in regard to home-based education that takes place before formal schooling. If you wish to monitor how your child is learning at home, it is wise to use an insightful pupil progress tracker. The results can then be further discussed with a school representative before the scholastic year begins.

Might There be Times When a Delay is Required?

This is once again a subjective question. However, it may be wise to delay the admission of a summer-born child until five years of age if he or she has been diagnosed with developmental issues. The same holds true in reference to any special medical needs. As always, it is important to discuss your options with a representative well in advance of when the school year officially begins.

There is no reason to believe that summer-born children are at a disadvantage in terms of their education. In some cases, an earlier start might actually prove to be a wise decision. There are nonetheless a handful of considerations to address if you hope to make the best decision for the well-being of your little one.