A government advisory group has challenged the New Zealand tradition of children starting school on their fifth birthday.
Children's shoes outside the classroom in Linwood Primary School, Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The Early Learning Advisory Group has recommended a law change so children can start school in groups at set times of the year.
It said that made it easier for them to make friends and adjust to school.
But it said schools should still have the option of starting children on their birthday.
The group also suggested schools use the early childhood curriculum instead of the school curriculum with new entrants, and said there was not enough funding for special needs children.
