Starting school at four can be a big step — especially when your child isn’t quite ready for full days, new faces, and long routines.
When my granddaughter started school three weeks after turning four, she looked so tiny with her satchel on her back — but she walked in cheerfully. She already knew the school well, having often joined her mother to collect her big brother. While waiting, she was free to play in the wonderful school playground, where children were allowed to stay on and carry on playing if they wanted. She may have been very young, but she was starting in a warm, caring village school that made a special effort to help the youngest children feel at home.
But not every child has that kind of soft landing.
Some children are still growing into confidence. Some are adjusting to a second language. Others haven’t had a chance to build a connection with their new school or classmates. And while many schools support gradual transitions, others expect young children to manage a full school day right from the start.
So what can you do if your four-year-old seems not quite ready for full-time school — and the school isn’t offering flexibility?
Let’s take a look at your rights, your options, and what might be best for your child.
🎒 When Does My Child Have to Start School?
In England, children are usually offered a school place in the September after their fourth birthday. But they don’t have to start then.
The law says children must be in school by the term after they turn five — that’s their compulsory school age.
For example:
- A child born on 6 May 2021 becomes compulsory school age in April 2026.
- That means they don’t legally need to start school until September 2026, even though they were offered a Reception place for September 2025.
This matters especially for summer-born children (those born between 1 April and 31 August), who are often still very young emotionally when school starts.
⏳ What If My Child Isn’t Ready for Full Days?
Some children struggle with the idea of a long school day — and rightly so. A full day from 9 to 3 can be a lot for a four-year-old, especially if they:
- Are used to half-days at nursery
- Are still building stamina
- Have speech or language differences
- Are learning English as a second language
- Don’t know any other children at the new school
Many schools offer a phased or part-time start for Reception, especially in the first few weeks. Some begin with mornings only, gradually adding lunch and afternoons.
If your school says they won’t allow this, it’s worth knowing your rights.
🧾 Can I Request Part-Time or Delayed Entry?
Yes. Parents have the right to:
- Request part-time attendance until their child reaches compulsory school age
- Defer entry entirely until later in the school year
- Request to delay starting Reception by a full year (with special permission — more on this below)
If your child is not yet of compulsory school age, a school cannot force them to attend full-time. You have the legal right to ask for mornings-only or a shorter week — especially during the first term.
If the school resists, ask for a meeting with the headteacher and calmly explain your concerns. You might say:
“We’d like to work with you on a gentle transition. Our child is not yet of compulsory school age, and we believe a phased start would support his confidence and wellbeing.”
📅 What If We Want to Wait a Whole Year?
Parents of summer-born children can apply for their child to start Reception a year later (at age 5 instead of 4). This is called “delayed admission outside the normal age group.”
However, this is not automatic. You must apply to the local authority and explain why it’s in your child’s best interests.
If granted, your child will:
- Start Reception in September the following year
- Stay with that year group throughout their school journey
This route is often chosen by families of summer-born boys, children with additional needs, or those who just need a little more time.
⚖️ Reception vs Year 1: What’s the Risk If We Delay?
Without the right permissions, deferring school by a year could result in your child being placed directly into Year 1, skipping Reception altogether.
That means they could miss:
- The play-based, nurturing start of Reception
- The foundation of early phonics and social learning
- The opportunity to settle in more gently
If you’re considering deferring by a full year, it’s very important to request delayed Reception entry — not just a late start.
💡 What Else Should We Think About?
Every child is different, but here are some questions that might help:
- Is your child socially and emotionally ready for full days?
- Do they know anyone at the new school?
- Are they confident speaking and understanding English?
- Would a phased start help build their trust and enjoyment?
- Is their current nursery still supporting their development?
Sometimes staying in nursery for an extra year is the right choice — especially if the setting is nurturing, stimulating, and responsive to your child’s needs. But equally, a thoughtful, flexible Reception experience can do wonders for confidence and social growth.
🤝 Advocating for Your Child
If your child’s school seems inflexible:
- Ask for a meeting with the headteacher — not just a class teacher.
- Put your request in writing if necessary.
- Refer to the Department for Education’s guidance on summer-born children and part-time attendance.
- Consider whether this school is the right fit long-term — especially if a rigid approach leaves little room for individual needs.
Your child deserves a start that feels safe and respectful. And as a parent, you are absolutely entitled to ask for that.
📚 Resources and Support
- Department for Education: School admissions
- Summer Born Campaign – Support and advice for parents delaying entry
- Coram Family and Childcare – Info on childcare and school choices
❤️ Final Thoughts
Starting school is a big step — for your child and for you. Some children are eager and confident from the first day. Others need time, reassurance, and a slower pace.
What matters most is not the calendar date, but whether your child feels safe, seen, and supported.
You know your child best. And that knowledge, paired with kindness and courage, will help you make the choice that’s right for them.