What Age Should Children Start School?

Running head: Sociology 1
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Sociology 2
What age should children start school.
Over the years, there has been a variation in regards to the ideal age for children to start
school since it’s not only about the readiness of a child that is considered but also the readiness
of the school and family context. In 2015, after the Australian curriculum was endorsed, a public
debate on the acceptable or required age for children to start school kicked off since in various
states, the age cutoffs are varied (Pressick-Kilborn, 2018). For instance, in South Australia and
Tasmania, the age cut off is four and a half years old. In the other states including Victoria,
Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales, and
Queensland, the age cut-off is four turning five.
In framing the right age to start schooling for children, various factors are argued to bring
about effectiveness. To begin with, we have readiness. In this factor, various questions are
considered. They include; how does to the school/ preschool define readiness? What are the
emotional and social skills expected in various contexts, such as in playing together in the
playground, working independently in class, and participating in whole class activities? Are there
specific types of abilities, skills or knowledge children are expected to have before starting to go
to school? According to Tizard, Blatchford, Burke, Farquhar, & Plewis (2017), parents are able
to reflect on their family’s and child’s needs and how the needs match to a school definition.
This is because children may be often required to participate, focus increasingly, and self-
regulate independently in a wide range of activities majorly during the first year in school.
Secondly, we have relationships. In evaluating this factor, various questions are
evaluated. They include; what is the nature and quality of a child’s peer friendship? Will the
children have friends starting their education at the same school? And lastly, how does the school
work with both the local community and families to develop and establish strong relationships?