School starting age

As we start the enrolment period for Catholic schools, it is timely to consider what is the ideal starting age for children. A growing number of parents are choosing to delay when their child starts school but the decision is also causing them stress and anxiety.

So how do I know if my child is ready for preschool or Kindergarten? Children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage and experience ongoing academic and social success. Children who delay starting school benefit from an additional year of play based education which enhances their social and emotional development and sense of connection.

Research shows benefit of ‘holding back’ delaying the start of school provides mental benefits for the child. There is strong evidence to suggest that delaying school reduced inattention and hyperactivity, with the benefits still showing until they are 11 years old (where the research ended).

A study found that delaying kindergarten reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent for an average child at age 11 and it virtually eliminated the probability that an average child at that age would have an ‘abnormal,’ or higher-than-normal rating for the inattentive-hyperactive behavioral measure. But what does that mean?

Reducing levels of inattention and hyperactivity is a key indicator of improved self-regulation.

Self-regulation is a person’s ability to control their impulses and modify their behaviour when they are trying to accomplish goals. A higher level of self-regulation is linked to student achievement.

This study showed that children who started school later were able to sit still, pay attention and stay focussed for longer, which eventually resulted in higher scores at school.

Parents are not expected to make the choice completely on their own. The best people to assess school readiness is the child’s day care or preschool teacher together with parents.