[Bunsen]

So it is looking likely that DS1 won't get a pre-school place this year, he is 3 turning 4 so will be old enough to start FYOS next year or could wait until 2014. If he doesn't get into pre-school how do we know if he is ready to start school or would be better off waiting?

[Ireckon]

DS#1 started FYOS at 4 1/2. We were going to hold him back a year, but his preschool told us in April the year before to send him. He was then assessed by the ECT at the school when kindy orientation was on in term 4 the year before kindy, and she also said he would be fine to start.

Not sure how to go ahead when he does not have a preschool spot...I take it there are no other places nearby that you can apply for...so perhaps ring the school you intend on sending him to, around mid year/mid term 3 ish, and ask if you can be put in touch with the teacher that does orientation, and they will most likely be more than happy for you to bring him in and see how he copes. FWIW, it is not academic stuff they are more concerned with, it is whether they are socially ready for it. For us, DS#1 was very ready. He did struggle the first 6 months , but now, at the end of yr 1, he is thriving.

Good luck.

[qak]

If he goes to daycare they should be able to give you an indication of how they think he is going, and whether he will be ready for school next year. I would be doing this later in the year, as a lot can change quickly at this age.

At this point I would think he has missed out on a pre-school place, as offers would have gone out last year. You could call around the pre schools and try to get priority on a waiting list on the basis that he is "year before school".