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Starting Kindy (Slightly) Early


Guest simonbrads

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Guest simonbrads

Hi guys,

 

My daughter is starting nursery here in the UK in September, and we're (probably) moving to Perth in January 2013. We'd really like for her to continue at kindy as soon as we arrive. (She's definitely ready; she's ahead of the curve.)

 

Unfortunately, she was born on 14th July -- two weeks after the school entry cut-off date. So, normally, she'd have to wait until February 2014 before starting kindy.

 

We're wondering whether it's at all possible for kids who are born close to the cut-off to be able to start school a year early (or late). Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Regards,

Simon

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Guest simonbrads

All right, thanks for the advice. No, we don't want her out of our hair. It's just that she's been going to creche since she was two, now she'll be starting nursery at three-and-a-bit, and it's a shame she'll have to wait a whole year before starting again. I think it may also hold her back, being the oldest in her class. As I say, she's ahead of the curve (fluent in two languages, already pretty numerate, cycling without stabilizers, etc.).

 

It's actually the one thing giving me doubts about Oz: that she'll be starting nursery/kindy 1 year 4 months later than she would here. That's not insignificant at age 3/4. But, if that's what it is, that's what it is!

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All right, thanks for the advice. No, we don't want her out of our hair. It's just that she's been going to creche since she was two, now she'll be starting nursery at three-and-a-bit, and it's a shame she'll have to wait a whole year before starting again. I think it may also hold her back, being the oldest in her class. As I say, she's ahead of the curve (fluent in two languages, already pretty numerate, cycling without stabilizers, etc.).

 

It's actually the one thing giving me doubts about Oz: that she'll be starting nursery/kindy 1 year 4 months later than she would here. That's not insignificant at age 3/4. But, if that's what it is, that's what it is!

 

I worked in Primary enrolments for 3 years and as everyone says you don't stand a chance. Look out for 3+ groups in your area when you move over. You will have to pay but it's a bit of something. To be honest in my experience keeping them socialised is as important as the academic side. My experience of primary school here is that the things you mention about being ahead of the curve don't make her any different to quite a lot of kids here in Perth. We have lots of bilingual children at my daughter's school and once they start kindy if they are considered to be 'ahead of the curve' as you call it they have a tailored solution to their learning. My daughter is a 6th July baby and this is what happened for us. Not all schools do this but any good school will not let a child get bored. I can understand your concern but having been through it 7 years ago I can assure you it's really not an issue in the longer term if you are planning on staying in Perth.

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All right, thanks for the advice. No, we don't want her out of our hair. It's just that she's been going to creche since she was two, now she'll be starting nursery at three-and-a-bit, and it's a shame she'll have to wait a whole year before starting again. I think it may also hold her back, being the oldest in her class. As I say, she's ahead of the curve (fluent in two languages, already pretty numerate, cycling without stabilizers, etc.).

 

It's actually the one thing giving me doubts about Oz: that she'll be starting nursery/kindy 1 year 4 months later than she would here. That's not insignificant at age 3/4. But, if that's what it is, that's what it is!

 

Some private schools offer a 3 year kindy program so that's an option. I guess if your daughter is way ahead once school if they see her way ahead of the rest they may accelerate her to a higher year, but I am no expert on that

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Guest jojo_muir

Hi Simon - don't despair. While I can't vouch for the public system, Arwen's advice is right - a good school wont let a child get bored. If you're happy to go into the private system, you'll find much more flexibility. There are accelerated learning programs available at all ages. You can look at the range of independent schools thru AISWA. Why not look for a school that has multi-age classrooms so that your daughter can find like-minded peers? And definitely look for a program that encourages international families or bilingual programs so that your daughter can keep up with her languages... jojo

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Guest simonbrads

Thanks again for all the advice. Don't worry; I'm not in despair. :) Just, if it had been possible, it probably would have been our preference to have her start sooner rather than later.

 

Having said that, I've just listened to a podcast about how later starters tend to achieve better grades, so...!

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  • 2 months later...

Hi Simon,

I am glad I found this thread. We are in the exact same position as you. We are welsh, but have been living in New Zealand for 6 years. Our sons were born here. We are moving to Perth in March 2013. My oldest son is 4 on 5th july ! he was in daycare from that age of 8mths - 2 1/2yrs while I was working. When he turned 3 in July he started kindy here 5 mornings per week. He loves the learning and the social interaction with the other kids.

I am going to have to find something in Perth to get him involved in for 11mths until he can start kindy in feb 2014.

It looks like, apart from paying to go to a private kindy - there are community kindys which are 2 mornings per week.

Please keep us posted on anything you find !

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Guest jojo_muir

There are lots of fabulous private options if you decide to go that way. I know my girls' school offers kindy 4 days per week. There's been such an incredible expansion in early childhood learning that I'm sure you'll be surprised at the options...

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