There is concern that parents of four-year-olds are being told that they risk losing their school places if they wait until the age of five.

The law states that children do not have to start school until the start of the term in which they reach their fifth birthday.

But the widespread closure of voluntary playgroups is blamed on schools pressuring parents to send four-year-olds into their reception classes. Schools receive government funding for each such place they fill.

David Blunkett: "Schools should allow parents to hold onto a place until their child reaches compulsory school age"

The new guidelines say that schools should allow parents to accept a primary school place for their child at age four, but defer entry until the child reaches compulsory school age.

Issued by the Education Secretary, David Blunkett, they are likely to become law after a period of consultation.

"Parents can choose whether or not their child should attend any early years or pre-school setting," said Mr Blunkett.

"That choice should not be curbed by schools effectively blackmailing parents into sending their child to its reception class to guarantee a place after five."

The guidelines also call for the setting up of "admissions forums" in each local authority area to plan the allocation of school places. These will be made up of school and local education authority representatives.

An appeals panel is to be appointed by the Department for Education and Employment to make final decisions in any disputes arising from decisions made by the authorities.

Local education authorities will also be required to publish clear information for parents on the allocation of school places in their area.