Early Learning and Childcare

Deferred entry

From August 2023 legislation changed.

This change guaranteed parents who wish to defer their child’s entry to P1 an additional funded year in ELC. This applies to all children who have not yet turned 5 years of age on the first day of term in August, the DOB range is 15/8/2019 to 28/2/2020.

In the past children with September to December birthdays had to apply for both ELC and P1 and this was because we couldn’t guarantee that they would be given the discretionary funding for another year in ELC. Now that children are guaranteed to be accepted, we no longer need the P1 application, unless a parent changes their mind and decides to send their child to P1.

To allow for a transition period for children, parents must decide by 31 May 2024 whether they are deferring their child or not. Any changes after this date can only be made in exceptional circumstances.

How to apply

Complete the application form selecting the start date 'next academic year and ticking the box for deferred entry.

 

Contact Early Years Team

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800