Ds is 5 in march and soooo ready for big school. No way could I hold him back!

If anything, what they said would make me question the school rather than her readiness. Our school emphasised social/independence readiness over anything academic. They said some will start school reading and some won't. They have a reading level expectation at the end of the year but said reading abilities level out more in yr 1. There was no hint of pressure, more that they do what they can to accomodate each child's abilities in that 1st year. My understanding is that kindy is still somewhat play-based. Very hands on. Not sit down hard work. I'd be clarifying what their program entails and see if it feels right to you.