Is it a good idea to start your child in Reception as soon as possible? And should a sensitive child stay in preschool longer? Education expert, Elizabeth Cook, advises using research to make an informed decision.

Raisingkids member's problem
My daughter will be turning 5 before the end of the year. Where we live, she is allowed to start school at the age of 4 because of her birthdate. Is it better to wait a while, until she is rising 6? Or should I put her into school before her 5th birthday? I'm not concerned that she isn't smart enough to comprehend the learning aspect. However, she is a shy child and very sensitive. I do not want to traumatize her. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth's advice
This is a difficulty many parents experience. You do not say whether your daughter is already receiving some form of preschool education. If she is - and you are happy with it - then I would suggest that you leave her there. However, if she is not involved in some kind of preschool education then I would suggest that she needs to be.

Children's capacity to learn is at its greatest between the ages of 0-6 years and this learning involves not only 'academic learning' but, more importantly, social and emotional development. Learning how to socialise and get along with other children is crucial to future academic development and cannot start too soon. However, this form of learning is best acquired in a play based learning environment, typical of the environment found in most nursery classes. If she starts school, your daughter is most likely to go into a Reception class, which should be play-based, but often isn't.

My advice to you would be to check the school out. Ask if you can visit the classroom, without your daughter at first, because if the setting is too formal it may frighten her. Ask how children are encouraged to learn. If they suggest that it is through play - look for evidence of this. You should see a range of learning activities available for the children to choose from. If the classroom is arranged in groups of empty tables with chairs set around them then it is likely that children will be involved with pencil and paper activities which I personally feel are inappropriate for 4 yr-olds.

Also check the www.Ofsted.gov.uk site which will have a detailed report on the school. If you decide to wait until your child has turned 5 before starting school - and this is your right - I would recommend that you find an alternative setting e.g. nursery, playgroup, etc. where your daughter can learn through playing alongside other children. This will help to build up her confidence and social skills, so that she is ready for the more formal schooling which she will have to experience once she is 5. Good luck with your decision-making.

• More Of Liz's Answers About Under-11s
• Check Out Our Education Pages
• Choosing A Primary School For Your Child
• Starting School: Ready For Reception?