UPDATE ON SCHOOL STARTING AGE BILL

Change in Legislation passed on 28th February in the NI Assembly

The EA is aware that the Northern Ireland Assembly passed legislation on the 28^th February 2022 which allows parents/ guardians to defer the start of pre-school or primary one for their child for one year if they wish to do so.

This will be applicable to children born on or between 1^st April and 1^st July, as well as some children born prematurely whose due date was on or after 1^st April but the birth of the child was on or between 1^st December to 31^st March. 

With legislation only being passed on 28 February 2022, deferring was not an option prior to this date.  Officers in the EA are working with the Department of Education to provide advice, guidance and put in place arrangements to allow parents/guardians to defer their child’s place if they wish to do so for the forthcoming school year [September 2022].

Information will be available in due course on our website and social media channels in the coming days.

FROM THE EA