Many parents will be preparing to send their kids off to school for the first time this September - but a little-known rule means that your child does not legally have to start full-time education at the usual time.
Most children start school full-time in the September after their fourth birthday, meaning that they will turn five during their first school year. For example, if your child has turned four between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022, they will typically start reception in September 2022.
But if parents don’t think that their child is ready to start school at that age, the gov.uk website explains that they can legally start later. Children can start school part-way through the school year, or the following year in the September after they turn five, the Liverpool Echo reports .
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The law states that children must start full-time education once they reach compulsory school age. This is either on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August after their fifth birthday - whichever comes first. Your child will then have to start school in the term that follows these dates - spring, summer or autumn term respectively.
If your child’s fifth birthday falls directly on one of these dates, they must start school in the upcoming term. For example, if your child’s birthday is 31 December, they must start full-time education at the beginning of spring term in January.
If your child starts school in the September after they turn five, they will be placed into year one. You can contact your local council or the school itself if you would prefer your child to start in reception instead, but they are not obliged to agree.
If you are planning to have your child start school later, you will still need to apply for a school place at the same time as everyone else. You can request for your child to start later on your application.
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