Local MP Steve Brine is raising the issue of 'summer born' children as the Department for Education publishes new advice on when they can start school.
Concerns have long existed that children born in July and August are often expected to start school too early, when they are just four, and there is a great deal of evidence to suggest some have worse outcomes as a result. A recent debate held in the House of Commons heard that while the statutory school starting age in England is five, and in principle, parents have a choice about which term their child starts schools within that time span, the practice may be different on the ground.
Mr Brine has been contacted by two concerned local parents and is taking up their case with Hampshire County Council. He has also been made aware of a recent ruling by the Chief Schools Adjudicator which ruled Hampshire's 2013 admissions policy was unlawful.
Steve says: "Concerns about school starting age for Summer born children led to new guidance finally being issued to local authorities in July and that is very welcome but it needs to be taken on board by all local authorities and filter through quickly. Flexibility is so important because all children are different and while some children may benefit from entering year 1 as soon as they reach the compulsory school age, others would benefit from entering a reception class. Of course there must be dialogue with the professionals but parents should be centre-stage when it comes to deciding what is best for their child and in which environment they will thrive because they know their children best."
The revised guidance, published by the Department for Education, states that there is 'no statutory barrier to children being admitted outside their normal year group' and 'flexibilities exist for children whose parents do not feel they are ready to begin school in the September after their fourth birthday'.
Schools Minister Liz Truss told MPs in a recent debate; "We are absolutely clear that parents should be able to say to a school, 'We want our child, who is aged five, to enter reception', if they feel that this is in the best interests of their child."
Steve Brine has written to Hampshire County Council to ensure the new advice is fully accepted into the admissions policy in Hampshire and is being communicated to the schools in his constituency.
More information ...
The revised DfE advice on this subject can be accessed here.
