Deferred Entry To Primary One

If your child was born between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019, they are eligible to start primary school in August 2023.  If your child is still four at the start of the school term in August 2023, then you can request to defer your child’s entry into Primary 1 to August 2024.  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 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 primary 1, you must complete a deferred entry application form by February 2023.  This 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 play leader.