article_snippet: It follows warnings from campaigners that some local authorities made it difficult for families who want to put off joining reception classes, raising the prospect of 250,000 children having to start in Year 1.
article_snippet: And it suggests delaying the start of school by 12 months should be 'no barrier' to the child then starting in reception class.
article_snippet: There are no statutory barriers to admitting a child of five to a reception class'.
article_snippet: Bracknell Forest Council says: ‘If you choose for your child not to start until their statutory school age... starting in a Reception class following a child’s fifth birthday is only possible in exceptional circumstances.
highlights_snippet: Government says: 'No barriers to admitting child of five to reception class'
  But councils have tried to say young children should start in Year 1 .
  