FOI Request - Exceptional Deferral Requests

Request 101003874153

I request the following information in relation to 'exceptional deferrals' for Primary 1 entry within Moray schools.

1.  Copies of all current policies, procedures or guidance documents (beyond what is publicly published) relating to exceptional deferral or discretionary deferred entry to Primary 1 for children not automatically entitled to funded deferral.

2.  Any internal communications, minutes, or decision making criteria used by the multi-agency panel responsible for assessing these requests from 2020 to present.

3.  The total number of exceptional deferral requests recieved by Moray Council in each academic year from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025, and the number granted vs refused, for each case a redacted summary of the rationale ( whilst maintaining confidentiality)

4.  The names (titles or roles) of the individuals or committees responsible for deciding exceptional deferrals (e.g Head of Education, TAC etc) in those cases.

5.  Any equality impact assessments or legal advice considered in formulating the councils current policy

Response 24-11-2025

1. & 2. The information requested is published and available on the Moray Council website and is therefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page here: https://moray.cmis.uk.com/moray/CouncilandGovernance/Meetings/tabid/70/ctl/ViewMeetingPublic/mid/397/Meeting/2089/Committee/44/Default.aspx

(Please refer to item 7; Education, Children's and Leisure Services Committee, 18th February 2025.)

3. 

2020-2023: Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.
2023-2024; and 2024-2025: Due to the low numbers involved, release of this information could result in the identification of individuals. This information is therefore exempt under Section 38(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Personal Information.

4. All decisions about exceptional deferral are made by the Head of Education based on the views of the Team Around the Child (TAC)

5. No equity impact or legal advice; guidance is based on GIRFEC/Child planning procedures..