Generally, children in Scotland start school when they are aged between four-and-a-half and five-and-a-half. When they are eligible to start school depends on when their 5th birthday is.
Deferred entry to school means that children start primary school one year later than the typical start date.
All parents and carers have the legal right to defer their child’s entry to primary school if they are not yet 5 years old at the beginning of the school year.
In the current system, the youngest children (those with a January or February birthdate) are automatically entitled to an additional year of funded early learning and childcare (ELC) at their ELC Setting when they defer entry to primary one.
Those with a birthday on or after the first day of term in August to the end of December can still defer their school start, but have to apply to the local authority to request a funded year of early learning and childcare for that year.
From August 2023, a change in the legislation means that all children who are eligible to defer will automatically be able to access an additional year of funded ELC.
A small number of local authorities will be piloting these changes in advance, to help to plan for the full roll out in August 2023. Clackmannanshire Council is one of these pilot authorities.
From August 2022, as part of the pilot roll out of increased eligibility to a funded deferred year, all children whose 5th birthday falls on or after the first day of term in August, up until the last day in February are automatically eligible for an additional year of funded early learning and childcare.
You will need to submit your deferral application to the local authority in which you live.
Please let your Clackmannanshire ELC provider know if this is what you plan to do and if your application is successful. Some local authorities may not be able to fund an additional year of early learning and childcare if you don’t meet their current criteria.
A list of local authorities who are participating in the pilot for 2022-2023 is available for information.
All deferred entry forms should be submitted by 31st January 2022. Any forms received after that date may not get their first choice of placement.
Please submit your deferred entry form to the ELC setting your child currently attends.
If you are new to Clackmannanshire please submit your application to education@clacks.gov.uk.
You should still enrol your child at your catchment primary school. This usually happens in January of each year. This also safeguards your child’s place in primary 1 should you change your mind.
Choosing to defer when your child starts primary school is a big decision.
Before you make your mind up, it’s worth finding out a bit more about the primary school your child will be attending.
If you’ve not visited a school recently, then you might be surprised at how much has changed since you were in primary 1! Much of the learning in the early stages of primary school are based in play. This helps create a smooth transition for children moving from early learning and childcare into primary one.
Speak to the teacher or headteacher about any specific concerns you might have, and if you think your child might benefit from a bit of extra support to settle in, then find out what the school can do.
Your early learning and childcare provider will also be able to give support and advice to help you reach your decision.
If you are thinking about deferring your child’s P1 entry, here are some things you might want to consider, which may help you make up your mind.
Schools and teachers focus on the needs of the child, not their age, whether they are in early learning and childcare or at school. Children are supported to progress through the Curriculum for Excellence at an appropriate rate.
Children aged 3-5 in early learning and childcare settings and children in primary one classrooms, usually work within the Early Level of the Curriculum for Excellence.
There has been a change in culture in schools over recent years, with a real focus on play and outdoor learning in many schools. There has been a change in culture in schools over recent years, with a real focus on play and outdoor learning in many schools.
Any deferral should be based on the individual needs of your child. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ approach to deferral or to support for children with additional support needs. Children with additional support needs don’t normally automatically defer. Instead, the school will consider what support to put in place for your child.
If starting school at this point isn’t in your child’s best interests because of their individual needs, then deferring entry to primary school can be considered. It’s worth chatting to your early learning and childcare provider and school about any concerns you have for your child.
Further information about deferred entry can be found via the Parent Club Scotland website.
For any other enquiries, please email education@clacks.gov.uk.
Education
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: 01259 450000
Email: education@clacks.gov.uk