All children:

• must start school by the beginning of the term after their 5th birthday.
• can have a full-time school place in the September following their 4th birthday.

Some parents, of children who are 4, will want their child to start school on a part-time basis until they become 5. This is usually half day sessions (either mornings or afternoons – 15 hrs per week). You need to talk to your child’s school to discuss this option further.

Remember that once your child starts attending school part-time, they will be on the school roll. This means that if you are considering part-time attendance at school combined with other early years provision, you will no longer be able claim any extra early years funded hours.