Starting school later
We provide a school place for every child in Derby city in the September after their fourth birthday. This is the normal time for your child to start school.
However, compulsory school age is on a particular date after their fifth birthday. So if your child was born between April and August they will start around a year before they reach their compulsory school age.
Summer born children
We understand that a few children, especially if they are born in the later summer months, may not be ready to start school at the normal time. For example, you may feel that they have not developed enough socially, emotionally or physically.
If there are any reasons why you feel your child isn’t ready to start you can ask that they:
- start reception class in the September but only attend part-time until they reach compulsory school age; or
- start reception class later in the academic year; or
- start reception class the following September, outside of their normal age group.
If a request to start the following September is agreed, there is no guarantee of a place at your preferred school, only a place in the year group.
In all cases your child must be in full-time education when they reach the compulsory age.
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