Hi - does the child have an EHCP?  If so, I believe this would normally have to be agreed with whoever is the statutory assessment service in your area.  In Essex I think there has to be a sound educational reason for repeating a year as there can be ramifications later - their friends will be moving up without them and it can sometimes cause issues at the secondary transfer phase. If the child doesn't have an EHCP I think this would be agreed between the school and the parents.  Whenever I have been asked for my views on this, I haven't tried to influence the decision but have tried to explore with the parents what they hope for from doing this and to ensure all parties have thought it through.

Hi, we have had this happen a few times for children with an EHCP. It has been agreed during the review process as it is felt educationally the child would benefit from repeating the Reception Year. It can have ramifications for secondary transfer, however as yet I have not had a problem and the child has remained in their new year group. Children who have transitioned into a specialist setting are often placed in their chronological year group.

Thank you Jo & Gemma