Thanks Dawna and Marian for your replies (I'll come back later for yours Valerie!). I'm a big believer in not starting school too early, and found your input very interesting and along the lines of what I already believe. I really would like Mason to just be a little kid for a bit longer.

It's hard, although may be Mason IS ready - but how do I really know - what if he isn't? This really is an important decision, which can effect the rest of his schooling years (and beyond?). I wish the daycare teacher hadn't come to me with this recommendation. I wish others I had spoken to since, that know Mason, hadn't encouraged school next year also. Ideally I wish the daycare had another room for the 5yo kids - another "step up" from the room he is in, one with a little more structure maybe? He is easily bored and I think that can be a worry too - he will start to play up and stop listening to instruction.

As far as alternatives other than sending him to Primary School, I need to work full time to support my family, there is no way around this (as it is we are struggling on my income), so can't stay home with him. I've visited other daycares in the area, but they are smaller if anything, and are nowhere near as good as the one he is already at. We are blessed with this one, just wish they thought they'd be good for him for another year! I've been doing my homework on the local schools, and am organising to visit them, hopefully I can talk to some teachers and get their input. Although in the end, it is all up to me (oh, and Andy!)

Oh dear oh dear, if he was born later in the year this would not be an issue!

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