If your child was born between 1 March 2019 and 28 February 2020, they are eligible to start primary school in August 2024.  If your child is not yet five-years-of-age at the start of the school term in August 2024, then you can request to defer your child’s entry into P1 to August 2025.  Your child will receive a further year of early learning and childcare.

Previously, only children with a fourth birthday in January & February were automatically entitled to an additional year of funded early learning and childcare if entry to primary 1 was deferred.  However, from August 2023 onwards, all children who are not five years old by the first day of the school term in August will automatically be entitled to an additional year of funded early learning and childcare if parents choose.

If you are considering deferring your child’s entry into P1, you must consult with the nursery manager in your child’s setting and then complete a deferred entry application form by 8^th March 2024. Forms are available from your child’s setting.  This process will ensure that their place in their Early Learning and Childcare setting is kept for them.  If you require any support to complete this form, you should speak to the nursery manager/play leader.