Ready to start school?
Starting school can feel daunting for parents and we all want to give our children the best possible start. Please remember that being ready to start school is not about academics or compliance, nor is it about being able to read, write or count - it’s about competence, confidence and independence. The ability to make friends, to confidently separate from you and to communicate their needs will make starting school much easier for your child.
A child who is ready for school will be:
Curious and confident about learning.
Resilient and ready to take part.
Able to take risks, ask questions and find solutions.
Confidently active.
Independent with self-care skills.
Comfortable to make friends and take turns.
Able to communicate their needs.
The following links give some ideas about how you can help your child build these important skills.
School starting age
All children are entitled to a full time school place in the September following their 4th birthday. This is when most children start school. Children born from 1 September in one year to 31 August the following year are normally educated together in one year group. Children are not required, however, to go to school (or other suitable education) until the first day of the school term that follows their 5th birthday.
The following details the options available to parents of Summer-born children.
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-age/summer-born-children
