DS1 is late March 08 baby. He is small (height and weight).

He has been attending 3 year old kinder this year (well, really, it's just 3 year old playtime). He loves it. He always asks if he can go. I have been parent helper 3 times and I know he loves the structure and the variety and he genuinely seems to enjoy the routine etc.

He'll be turning 4 in March next year and is on the waitlist for a 4 year old kinder spot.

There seems to be immense pressure NOT to send him. Bearing in mind i am not a local, so the pressure i feel i'm getting is from mother's group and from the 4 year old kinder programme. I get the impression that they are struggling with numbers and would prefer less kids in 2012. There seems to be this magical date of having your 4th birthday before the end of december 2011, and then you are 'old enough'.

I realise that DS is small. He's capable though - very physically capable and certainly keeps up with his peers in other regards. And the start of next year is 5 month away, which is a lot when you are not even 3 and a half! I think if he went to 3 year old kinder AGAIN next year, then he'd be bored.

Is 4 year old kinder a huge step up from 3? I don't know any 4 year olds, nor have i seen a 4 year old group to 'compare'. I have no desire to throw him in to something he's not ready for, but I don't know about holding him back. I don't know that i'm getting a straight answer from anyone i ask.

This turned out to be a LONG post! Any advice appreciated!