The move takes forward recommendations made by Sir Jim Rose in his review of the primary curriculum, which said children should start reception the September after their fourth birthday.
The Government proposes that from September 2011, parents will be able to choose whether their child takes up a full- or part-time place from the September, January or April after their fourth birthday.
They will also be able to choose to take up a full-time early years place at nursery, if they prefer. Parents can also still wait until their child turns five to send them to school.
The Government will fund local authorities for the costs of full- or part-time provision, including in maintained nursery schools and classes and in private, voluntary and independent settings.
Children’s secretary Ed Balls said, ‘We know that not every four-year-old is going to be ready for reception at the same time, so it is important families have the choice when to start full-time or part-time classes or have free early years provision if they want it.’
Claire Schofield, director of membership, policy and communications at the National Day Nurseries Association, said it was pleased that families would have the option to be funded to stay with an existing childcare provider if they felt their child was not ready for school.
'This consultation will be of interest to nurseries who will be keen to ensure that staying at nursery is seen as an option by parents and understand that if they choose to this will not mean they will miss out on a place at school later on.
'The NDNA will be responding to this, and we look forward to seeing further details about how the 25-hour option will be funded so that this is fair and equitable for nurseries.'
For further information see www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations