hugs feeb
it is a tough decision whether to hold our boys back or let them go forward
I can reply as a mum who was been there and done that with my older kids, a mum going through it with DS2 at the moment and as a qualified person with degrees in education

The main thing to do with kids that you are not sure about what to do, is ensure that the school that you are sending them to, is a play based prep year, rather than an academic focused year. So pick your school carefully !! Also speak at length to the prep teacher at the schools you are considering to find out what they expect the preps to do before they start!

The main point i consider important for a child starting prep is to be able to play and join in with other kids, be compliant and able to follow simple instructions, and be emotionally ready to be separated from mum all dad. Toileting, and other basic tasks such as being able to take clothing off or on are also important. The rest can be taught and picked up as they go.

The toughest year for behaviour with kids is the last 6 months before they start school- its a shocker- thank goodness someone had warned me about it !!!So be aware that could be the reason DS1 is being 'naughty'
Also dont expect them to be ready for school now- the wont be ready until just before they start!!!! Dont stress- he will get there!!!

Also if you are worried about DS1 not quite being ready, be open to 2 years of prep!!! This is an possible option as well
Please feeb that what the feeb officers say as advice, not as gosple.
They will always paint you a picture that your kids arnt ready if they have any doubts. Even if they are small!!!!
You know you child better than anyone, mummys instinct is so much more reliable than one session observations with a field officer, or a teacher that sees you child only 1/8 of your childs waking time during the week!

My twins were recommended to repeat by their teacher- I chose to send them to school despite kinder teachers advice- found out later, that she had advised all the kids that were 'young' to repeat. Her only reason was because they were young!!
In hindsight I couldnt have kept my boy twin down due to his size !! He is 5ft 8 now and in grade 5! Imagine a kid that big in grade 4!! Also girl twin is bright and would have been bored as if i kept them back - so glad i did send them - win for mummys instinct!!

This year i was advised to think about DS2 doing 2 years of 4 year- the reason once again is not because he is developmentally behind, but because he is young!! I have chosen to send him next year to school as he is busting a valve to get to school next year, with the possiblilty of doing 2 years of prep if needed. It is a play based prep year and he is a very compliant child who picks up cues very easy so I am not worried. I have spoke to his prep teacher to be for next year and she is happy with my decision and supports it!!

Go with your gut hun- no one else knows your child better than you!!!!!