Nursery World - In my view (2)

By Irene Russell, teaching assistant, Cheriton Primary School, Folkestone, Kent With the new intake of reception children looming, I was wondering who decided that children must now start school at just four years old?

With the new intake of reception children looming, I was wondering who decided that children must now start school at just four years old?

I am referring mainly to the children with August birthdays. These children have hardly stopped needing an afternoon nap. They are certainly not ready to face the challenge of a class of 30 children.

We will spend a considerable time teaching toilet training and cuddling and reassuring these little mites. None of us object to this, but there are only two adults in a class. Plus most of us have the inclusion of at least one if not more special needs children - children with various medical problems including asthma, epilepsy, autism, Asperger's and so on. On top of this we still have to accept children who will be only just four years old.

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