What is summer-born deferment?
In addition to the legal right to defer (delay) the reception class start date, for Summer-born children (born from 1 April to 31 August) families can apply to defer entry to reception until the next September when the child would normally starting Year 1.
If the school agrees it mean the child will be in a year group below that determined by their date of birth.
Applying for Summer-born deferment does not take away a families legal right to defer entry to reception.
Is summer-born deferment available to all families?
No, only those with children born between 1 April and 31 August
What is the difference between deferment and Summer-born deferment?
Deferment is a legal right and results in a child missing part of their reception year. Summer-born deferment gives families only a legal right to apply to start reception a year late.
What does this mean for your child?
If Summer-born deferment was agreed by the head teacher the child will start reception when they would normally be expected to start in year group 1. This means they will always be in a primary school class with children a year below them based on age.
Deferred admission usually occurs on the first day of each new term but in very exceptional cases head teachers may offer a different start date where it will better meet the child’s needs which may be different to others in their class.