Deferred Entry Information
Most children start school when they are between 4 years 6 months and 5 years old but it is possible to start children later depending on the circumstances. This is called deferred entry.
Children with the date of birth between 20th August 2021 and 28th of February 2022 are automatically entitled to defer entry and receive an extra year of funded early learning and childcare. There’s no need to formally apply for a deferred entry to school. However, you will need to apply for a nursery place at a provider of your choice. The deadline for decisions on entry to school or nursery must be made by Friday 13th March 2026.
Children with the date of birth between 1st of March 2021 and 19th of August 2021 don’t have an automatic right to defer entry to Primary School or be entitled to a funded early learning and childcare place. However, you can apply for special consideration for a deferred year you should complete the DE Application and send to ELCDeferredEntry@dumgal.gov.uk . The application deadline for the 2026/27 academic year is Friday 5 December 2025.
Further information about Deferred Entry can be found here:
Leaflet:
ELC Practitioners (Glow):
