Month of Birth and Effect on Literacy, Behaviour and Referral to Psychological Service

Abstract

The present study sought to examine the effect of month of birth on literacy, behaviour and referral to an educational psychology service. Information was obtained from two main sources; school based assessment (n = 334) and psychological referrals (n = 695). Results indicated there was a significant main effect, (p = < 0.01) between month of birth and performance on literacy measures and behaviour. A chi square analysis, taking into account monthly birth rates showed that children born at the end of the school year (May/June) in Northern Ireland i.e. the youngest in their class, appeared to be substantially over represented in referrals to a psychology service. Implications for schools and the psychology service are discussed in terms of equality issues.