Delaying Entry to School (Deferred Entry)
-
Traditionally in Scotland almost all children aged between 4 and a half and 5 years enrol in primary school at the start of term in August.
-
Children who attain the age of 5 years between 1 March and end February each year should register for education at the end of January of the same year.
-
Children with birthdays in January and February have the right to delay entry into primary school and access a free part time nursery place for an additional year.
-
Children with birthdays that fall between 1 March and 31 December may also wish to delay entry into primary school, however a free nursery place is not automatic and is at the discretion of the local authority and children may be assessed by an early years specialist.
-
Decisions about whether a child would benefit from an additional year of pre-school education will in all cases seek to promote the best interests of the child and the views of parents, carers and professionals will contribute to the decision.
-
All children are individuals and develop at different rates. The Curriculum for Excellence Early Level spans from 3 years to 6 years and in primary 1 the development needs of all children will be catered for.
-
If you decide to make an application for an additional year of nursery education, you can get an application form from your nursery or primary school or by downloading the form here (PDF 10Kb)
Applications must be submitted by 1 February each year and you will be notified of a decision before 1 April.