Is four too young to start school?

Monday 05 October 2015

School rules could be about to change so that young children in Jersey only start learning when they are ready.

A scrutiny panel is reviewing the school starting age to make sure it’s the right time for youngsters.

Most children in Europe go to school at six but in Jersey and the UK they go earlier than anywhere else in the world with some starting as young as four and the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel says that doesn’t suit every child.

Panel Chairman Deputy Louise Doublet said: “Children start formal schooling in Jersey at a very young age. Some are completely ready for this step and thrive with the support of their families and teachers, but there is evidence that many are not ready.

“Children’s development in the Early Years is hugely important and very complex. The first years of life up to around age 6 or 7 are comprised of distinct stages of development, when children have very particular needs.

“The Panel would like to see if children are receiving the very best provision to help them flourish through these stages and beyond.”

England’s School Minister is pushing for changes there and thinks children born in the summer months should be allowed to start reception at five if their parents want them to.

The panel will now be looking at Jersey's school rules to make sure they are socially, emotionally and developmentally appropriate for our young children and finding out what parents want for their children.

Deputy Doublet said: “The Panel has agreed to examine whether the Education (Jersey) Law 1999 is still providing the best that can be for our youngest children and that the Minister is interpreting the legislation suitably within his policies. I am aware of the complications this might cause when a child reaches school leaving age before having taken their exams and will be looking at this as well.”