Reception-aged Children

Parents of children who turn four between 1 April and 31 August can request that their child is admitted to a reception class when they are five years old. This is called deceleration. 

Children can join the optional reception year at school in the spring term, or summer term if their fourth birthday is between 1 January and 31 August. This is called a deferred school start. 

Government funding continues until the end of the term in which a child turns five years old.

We have extensive experience in teaching children whose school start is deferred or decelerated, or who are home educated. 

By teaching each child individually, following their interests and ability, and with their parents’ active support, we have found these children to be well prepared for Reception or Year 1.

With us, four and five year old children benefit from having more time to play in nature and from having the opportunity to grow in confidence and deepen and broaden their capabilities in a familiar environment before moving on to school.