I would be most worried about social skills, resilience, ability to deal with change. How is he with toilet training (that would be a must), pencil grip, name recognition, alphabet and number recognition and maybe counting to about 20?

Hold him back a year, let him be a kid for a little while longer – we’re too much in a rush for our kids to grow up; there are studies which show that kids who are allowed to be kids and play tend to end up doing better academically and are more successful in the long run.

The teachers are trained to know if a child is keeping up or lagging behind … so unless something has been said to you send him on his way

I agree with the comment of asking the pre school teacher. Before my little one began school I knew he was going to be one of the youngest in the class, I spoke with the teacher and she said that he was socially ready and she also said she couldn’t see why not, and that made our decision that little bit easier, Good Luck.

I agree with the last comment that his pre school teacher will advise you, she has more experience and will be honest if she thinks he’s not quite ready.

Ask his preschool teacher. Remember she sees many children and would certainly have the knowledge to work out if he should go this year or next.

If he’s liking preschool than maybe he is ready to go

As long as they are pretty independent and can use the toilet, I think they will be fine

Wait until the end of the year and see how he is then – kinder teachers can also give their opinions as to whether they think they are ready.

Start next ur! Waiting a whole mother year would b silly if he can start at start of yr

There’s some good articles on MoM related to this topic

why are you unsure? you say is good socially. what are you concerned about. Far to many people hold their kids back, just because.

Apart from the preschool teachers (who will advise you), it’s mostly about social maturity, not so much academic ability. My first boy was a bit on the early side, under 5, but all his little mates from preschool were going so it felt wrong to keep him back. It did take him six months of kindy before he really learnt to settle down and listen properly and not muck around. It depends on his maturity – imagine him wandering around needing to sort out his bag, shoes, lunch etc, you need to know he will be able to cope. Having said that, it’s hard to be making such decisions so far out from next February, so don’t panic if he doesn’t seem ready now. A lot can happen in that time. I think ultimately you just have to go with your gut feeling, and try not to just be overprotective…

Ask his pre-school teacher. They know where your childs’ development sits with his peers and can give you the best advice. I had one boy start at 5&half then his brothers (twins) start at 4yrs10mths and all had the right start that suited them.

is he restless at home??

Go with your gut feeling talk to the kindy/Pre school teachers and the school you are planning to send him too, they might be able to advise and help. My daughter was always very ready for school.

I dont see anything wrong with holding him back a year.
But ever mom fears this . In the end the kids are fine its more the mums worry.
I was a wreak when my son started. i was more scared than him

I held my Boy back from starting school this year as he is still VERY active and cant sit still for a second. He is only 19 days from the cut of period for deciding when they start school so he would be one of the very young students. Im very happy I did. He needed this year to settle and he has settled so much. I got only 2 paintings from his last year because he wouldn’t stay still long enough to do it but this year he is bring home some thing nearly everyday, including tracing drawings and cut outs!. I say sit down with your current care provider and ask what they would recommended. An extra year in kindy wont hurt him, but they might feel he will benefit more from starting school Good luck x

i’ve been told that it is better to hold boys back for a year as they can struggle with concentrating and learning, that’s all ahead of me as my boy just turning 4 this year, we’ll see how he’ll cope

You’re pe school would be able to help you make that decision. They would be doing a school readiness program – this is a good indicator if your child is ready.