Deferral Process – Accessing an additional year of funded ELC
In Scotland, children usually start primary school in the year preceding or during which they have their 5th birthday. This means that in Primary 1 classes, children are usually aged between 4½ and 5½ years. Where a child does not start school at the anticipated August start date for their year group, it is called deferred entry to primary school.
Children who are five at the start of the school session in August must start school in August. Alternatively, parents/carers can make arrangements to home educate their child.
If your child’s 5th birthday falls between 17th August 2023 (the day after the school commencement date) and the end of February 2024 you have a legal right to defer their entry into Primary 1 until August 2024, when they are nearer 6 years old.
Previously, only children born in January and February had the automatic right to receive an additional year of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) when they deferred. Since August 2022, Fife Council has taking part in a Scottish Government pilot scheme to extend this to all children who are eligible to defer entry into Primary 1. This is before it becomes a universal right in August 2023.
Every child is different, even those of the same chronological age. Prior to making your decision it is important to give consideration to a range of factors, including:
- how your child feels about starting school.
- your child’s strengths as a learner.
- the particular outcome that would be achieved for your child by having an additional year at nursery.
- who can help inform your decision-making.
While the decision to defer a child’s entry to primary school is ultimately for parents, it is widely accepted that the best decisions are reached with the involvement of those who know your child as a learner. We would recommend that you discuss options for your child with your child’s keyworker as soon as possible.
Further information can be found by clicking on the following link:
