This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43562029

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
France to lower school starting age from six to three France to lower school starting age from six to three
(about 7 hours later)
Children in France will start school at the age of three instead of six, under new reforms announced by President Emmanuel Macron.Children in France will start school at the age of three instead of six, under new reforms announced by President Emmanuel Macron.
The change will give France one of the lowest compulsory school starting ages in Europe.The change will give France one of the lowest compulsory school starting ages in Europe.
But it will only affect a small number of children, as the majority of French families already choose to send their children to nursery school at three.But it will only affect a small number of children, as the majority of French families already choose to send their children to nursery school at three.
Only 2.4% of children are not enrolled at that age, government figures show.Only 2.4% of children are not enrolled at that age, government figures show.
Mr Macron said the change was intended to reduce inequality in education, as parents in poorer areas of France and in overseas territories are less likely to send their children to nursery school.Mr Macron said the change was intended to reduce inequality in education, as parents in poorer areas of France and in overseas territories are less likely to send their children to nursery school.
In Paris, 93% of three-year-olds are enrolled but the figure is much lower in some overseas territories, according to Le Monde.In Paris, 93% of three-year-olds are enrolled but the figure is much lower in some overseas territories, according to Le Monde.
"I hope that with this obligation, from the start of the school year in 2019, we can... correct this unacceptable differential," Mr Macron told a conference on Tuesday."I hope that with this obligation, from the start of the school year in 2019, we can... correct this unacceptable differential," Mr Macron told a conference on Tuesday.
He hailed the change as "a founding moment in the French education system".He hailed the change as "a founding moment in the French education system".
Age of compulsory education around EuropeAge of compulsory education around Europe
Three: HungaryThree: Hungary
Four: Northern Ireland, Luxembourg, SwitzerlandFour: Northern Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland
Five: Cyprus, Malta, England, Scotland, Wales, Greece, Netherlands, Latvia, PolandFive: Cyprus, Malta, England, Scotland, Wales, Greece, Netherlands, Latvia, Poland
Six: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, TurkeySix: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey
Seven: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Serbia, SwedenSeven: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Serbia, Sweden
There is much debate about when children should begin formal education.There is much debate about when children should begin formal education.
A study published in 2015 found that children who started school later were less likely to be inattentive or hyperactive in class.A study published in 2015 found that children who started school later were less likely to be inattentive or hyperactive in class.
Finland, Poland and Estonia - three of Europe's most academically successful countries - have a school starting age of seven. Finland and Estonia - two of Europe's most academically successful countries - have a school starting age of seven.
But children in those countries have usually been in a nursery, where they have been learning through play and games. Class sizes are also generally smaller.But children in those countries have usually been in a nursery, where they have been learning through play and games. Class sizes are also generally smaller.