From August 2023, children are automatically entitled to an additional year of funded early learning and childcare (ELC) if:

• they are still four years old on the date they are eligible to start school and
• their fifth birthday is on or between the day after school starts in August and the end of February.

Automatic right to deferral

To defer a child’s entry to Primary School in session 2026 to 2027, their 5th Birthday must fall on or between the day after the school start date in August 2026 and the end of February 2027.

If you feel your child would benefit from deferred entry into primary school, you should speak to your child’s key worker or the Head of Centre.

When the applications are open if you can provide your email address to the Head of Centre who will pass this onto NAC who will email an application form which we will then inform you when this needs to be submitted by.

Once processed, your child will automatically be granted a deferred year. This will be confirmed with you by email.

During the deferred year, your child will continue to access their Early Learning and Childcare in their existing establishment.

If you are looking for more information on the potential benefits of deferring, see below for some helpful links:

• Upstart Scotland’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/upstartscotland/ or go to www.upstart.scot.
• Deferral Support Scotland – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1680426968699639/