Children starting school in September

Please share with parents:

For children who have been offered a place in the new Reception intake the default position is that they will start on a full-time basis on the first day of term – that is the offer and every child must be able to start on day 1.

Parents have the options of full-time attendance, whatever the school’s part-time offer is or to defer admission until their child is of statutory school age (the start of the term after their fifth birthday).

We would encourage parents to discuss these options with the school but the decision is for the parent to make. Parents of summer-born children may have requested to delay admission until NEXT September, for which they would have to reapply for admission. Schools can discuss their part-time offers with parents and can be flexible about when a child is expected in if they wish. They can’t insist that children start full time or part time if a parent wants the other option.

When parents accept a school place (whether full time or part time) they cannot claim Early Years Funding to attend a nursery, preschool or childminder. Their Early Years Funding will end on 31st August.

If the school offers a late, staggered or part time start and parents need childcare to enable them to continue to go to work full time they must pay for the provision they use. It is important to discuss this with parents as they may think that their child can continue in their early years provision at the start of September until starting full time. Many providers will not be able to accommodate these children as their places will be filled with new children coming in.