A Government minister has said that reforms to guidance for admission policies has not reduced the number of cases which are contested
Nick Gibb has written of his concern about the number of youngsters being admitted to school before parents think they are ready.
The letter was to the Education Select Committee and claimed that pupils born between April 1 and August 31 are “more likely” to be identified as having special educational needs.
Mr Gibb said: “I am concerned, however, about the number of these cases in which it appears that children are admitted to year one against their parents’ wishes and, as a consequence, entirely miss their reception year.”
Authorities are currently required to school admission in the September after the fourth birthday. If parents request for their child to be included in a different year, because they were born later in the academic year, then it is up to the relevant authority to decide.
For summer born children there is always the possibility they will be put straight into school and miss out on reception year, which gives them time to get used to school life.
The worry is that then being one of the youngest and smallest members of class instantly puts them behind the other children.
Nick Gibb has asked officials for advice on how the admissions guidance could be changed to prevent these instances happening and reducing the number of unhappy and concerned parents.
