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19/10/2009
Parents To Be Offered Choice On School Start Age
Parents in England are to be given the opportunity to place their children in a school or nursery by the age of four, under new plans announced by School Secretary Ed Balls today.
From September 2011, all children will be able to choose a school or nursery place from the first September after their children turns four.
Children in nursery places will learn the early years play-based curriculum, while those starting school will undertake more formal lessons in reading and writing.
The move follows last week's publication of the Cambridge University review into primary education, which suggested that children should not begin formal lessons until the age of six.
However, the government has said that the new announcement follows the own review of primary education, conducted by government advisor Sir Jim Rose, which suggested that all children should begin their education at age four, in order to eliminate the potential risk of those born in the summer months of July and August falling behind in lessons.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Balls said: "There is clear evidence the sooner summer-born children start good-quality pre-schooling, the sooner they close the gap on their peers.
"We know what not every four-year-old is going to be ready for reception at the same time - so it is important that families have the choice when to start full-time or part-time classes or have free early years' provision if they want it."
(KMcA/GK)
From September 2011, all children will be able to choose a school or nursery place from the first September after their children turns four.
Children in nursery places will learn the early years play-based curriculum, while those starting school will undertake more formal lessons in reading and writing.
The move follows last week's publication of the Cambridge University review into primary education, which suggested that children should not begin formal lessons until the age of six.
However, the government has said that the new announcement follows the own review of primary education, conducted by government advisor Sir Jim Rose, which suggested that all children should begin their education at age four, in order to eliminate the potential risk of those born in the summer months of July and August falling behind in lessons.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Balls said: "There is clear evidence the sooner summer-born children start good-quality pre-schooling, the sooner they close the gap on their peers.
"We know what not every four-year-old is going to be ready for reception at the same time - so it is important that families have the choice when to start full-time or part-time classes or have free early years' provision if they want it."
(KMcA/GK)
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