Children start school the year that they turn 5, i.e. DS turned 5 in December 2002, so he started Reception in Autmn term 2002 when he was 4 1/2 (or a "rising 5" as they are sometimes called.) Some schools have the rising 5s only go for half day, some (like DS's school) go for full day. School attendance is compulsory once they turn 5. Many children go to nursery for a year or two before they start reception - so starting at 3 or so.
HTH!
Stephanie
