Thanks everyone, I have read each post with much interest and thought!!

I agree, having just turned 2 years old it's not completely reliable to be predicting how soon he will mature. I'm still going to defer 3yo kinder though and he can start in 2013. And if he does really well during that year and has that "switch" moment (I hope!!), then maybe we will forget about 4yo kinder altogether and he can go straight to big school, even though he will be one of the youngest. Either way he will be one of the oldest or one of the youngest!! Part and parcel of having an early year bub I guess??!

I'm glad all your decisions have worked out though - it's good that we go by school-readiness signs rather than strictly by the age cut-off.

Liz, I hope my DS has that moment and becomes more confident and independent! I know what it's like to be painfully shy and socially awkward throughout school, and it isn't fun! I wouldn't wish that for him at all.

Thanks again for all your replies. They have definitely reassured me

ETA, Olive - I think my area is similar to your cousin's in that most are sending their children earlier - well all the mums I know anyway! That's why I was confused in the first place! But a few of the kinders are recommending that extra year at home so, pfft, whatever goes I reckon!