we held my DD back from starting school, she was turning 5 in the feb but just wasn't ready to go, we think she would have struggled had she started then (by mid year she would have been fine to go but it doesn't work that way here), so she started this year a few weeks off 6, it was absolutely the right decision for her, she is doing so well and loves school, if she had of gone last year i think she would have found it hard and maybe not tried because she hates to get things wrong, this way she finds things easy and that really gives her confidence.

there was a little boy in her class who started when he was still 4, it was very obvious he wasn't ready and he didn't cope at all, he lasted 2 terms before he was pulled out.

sounds like you will have a lot going next year, especially with a new baby, i don't think there is any harm at all in keeping them home an extra year (or term) if they aren't ready to go
Minniemouse - my DS will be five in March next year. I was so confused if he was ready or not, I decided not so he is not going to prep for another year. Id rather he stay in kindy then repeat say prep or gr. 1 (if this still happens in life?). He was enrolled in school and attended the interview the other week. Teacher sounded like it would be so full on and I could see DS not coping. Plus most other mums said they kept their sons back too. So Im in peace of mind finally. Kids will definitely benefit waiting an extra year!