School Starting Age Bill

School Starting Age Bill – Change in Legislation passed on 28^th February in the NI Assembly 

The Northern Ireland Assembly passed legislation on 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. Guidance from EA is now attached below.