Deferred Entry - Primary School

Children do not have to start Primary 1 until the year after your child turns 5 years of age. Legislation changes from August 2023 means that children who have not had their 5th birthday by the time school starts in August, are entitled to another year of funded Early Learning and Childcare (Nursery). This will mean a guaranteed further funded year in an early years setting of your choice.

For session 2023/24 this is available to children who turn 5 years of age between 17 August 2023 and 29 February 2024.

Considerations when choosing to defer entry:

• You must discuss your request with your child’s early learning and childcare provider as well as the primary school they would be attending.
• The final decision will be a shared one between you and the Education team.

If you have not decided whether to defer entry of your child, please continue with the enrolment process so that your child does not miss out on a place.

For more information, please contact the Education team.