Deferring School Place

[jaynethepain]

What are the laws please on deferring a school place.

Example - child has a birthday on 30 August and schools are saying that she has to start full time in the reception class in the following September. We have been informed that provided we accept the place at the school we are legally entitled to defer the place until January or the start of the summer term (full or part time). The school cannot refuse. This is provided we accept the place within the first year, if we don't we have to go through the application process again to start in Year 1 or when she is 5 years of age.

Can anyone direct me to a link where this is legally stated please.

[pixie373]

Does this help?
http://www.myschoolgate.co.uk/blog/view/your-rights-deferring-your-childs-primary-school-place/

[Cloverjo]

I'm sorry I'm not really answering your question. I think Pixie's post has it covered. I just wanted to comment on schools' insistence on newly-turned four year olds starting full time education. As far as I can see, it makes their admin simpler, but it does no good for the children.
I used to help in my son's reception class so I have seen the problems. While some of these children are ready and eager to learn, many are just not and should be playing in the sand pit or running around outside, not trussed up in a uniform being made to hold a pen and write out letters. Some really struggled and it was upsetting.
Sorry if I've gone too far with this answer, but I guess you have the same concerns or you wouldn't have asked the question.

[jaynethepain]

Thanks for your responses Pixie & Cloverjo.

[pixie373]

You're welcome