Plans to change the admission policy for Thurrock schools have hit a wave of opposition from parents, teachers and pre-school carers.

Thurrock Council is floating plans for infant and primary schools to switch to one intake a year. It would mean many children starting school aged four instead of five.

Worried patients and teachers are writing to the education authority listing their concerns following a public meeting at the Culver Centre, South Ockendon.

Regional development officer for the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Vicki Reti, told the meeting: "While some children would be ready to cope with school life at four, many would have personal, physical and emotional difficulties with such an environment.

"Children of this age need to explore and learn through play."

Head teachers expressed grave concerns. They were worried about staffing levels, resources, and funding arrangements.

One pre-school playgroup organiser said: "How am I going to keep my group going if the children are going to school?

"Pre-schools are now so much a part of the community, allowing patients to volunteer, supporting families in crisis."

Other objections were by letter. A spokesman for Thurrock Council education department said the proposals were only at the consultation stage.

She said: "We are carrying out a consultation with schools about the option of offering reception class places to all children in the September of the school year in which they become five years old.

This is to ensure all children have the same amount of time at infant schools. Some schools in Thurrock already operate this policy.

"This consultation is a long process and the results will be considered at a learning services committee in the future."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.