Age and Development

A new study carried out by the NFER has concluded that summer-born children are more likely to develop special educational needs; the literature review examined research projects from the UK and 14 other countries. Among recommendations which the report makes are age-standardised tests which could ensure that younger pupils would have an appropriate curriculum, although the review does not go as far as suggesting that younger children should defer their entry to school for a year.

The 61 page report is entitled The Influence of Relative Age on Learner Attainment and Development and is available online. A summary version (5 pages) can also be viewed.