Whatever the cause, the option—the absolutely sound and legal option—of NOT sending your four-year-old to school is relatively obscure and rarely discussed. Local government material frequently makes little (if any) note of the fact that schooling at the age of four is not mandatory. For example, a local authority may state that it is "optional" for children under five to attend school. In fact, there are no real grounds for objecting to school attendance for four-year-olds. It's a legal requirement for all British children aged between five and eleven. However, as we know, there are many reasons why parents might choose not to send their child to school. If they believe that education is not in their child's best interest, then this should be respected. Schools are in need of families who will make some effort with their children's education. They cannot function with only half their student body involved in their activities. Therefore, even if you believe that school is not for your young child, you must still let them participate in the system. You can do this by sending them to school each day or paying for a place at a private or special needs school. If you don't send your child to school, you could be asked by social services why you haven't been getting them into school. They may also ask for permission to check on your child's welfare occasionally.