Over at this side of the world, the starting school debate tends to centre upon the ages of four and five. In some cases, we may choose to send them a little later – but four and five tend to be the general ages.

 

We’re more than a little surprised to learn that we’re doing it all wrong, though.

 

According to a new study, carried out by a team of researchers in Denmark, seven is the best age for a child to start school.

 

And why? Well, according to these researchers, the delay can benefit their mental development, chiefly reducing levels of inattention and hyperactivity.

 

Reduced levels of inattention and hyperactivity were found to result in increased self-regulation – which, in turn, leads to greater levels of achievement.

 

 

Better still, the team’s research proved that these benefits were evident right up until at least the age of 11 – incidentally, when the team ended their research.

 

According to co-author Professor Thomas Dee: “We found that delaying kindergarten reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent, for an average child at age 11.

 

“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 behavioural measure.”

 

He added that this is “some of the most convincing evidence seen to support what parents and policy-makers have already been doing – choosing to delay kindergarten entry”.

 

Well, mums, what are your thoughts? Are the statistics compelling enough for you to rethink your plans? Would you wait until your little one turns seven before sending them to school? Do let us know!

 

 

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