School starting age guidance for parents is published
Date published:
New guidance on school starting age is now available for parents.
The booklet, ‘School Starting Age – A Guide for Parents’ is available through the Education Authority website and DE website.
Following a consultation on deferral of school starting age in exceptional circumstances, Education Minister John O’Dowd agreed to commission guidance for parents on the issue.
The guide includes information on the legislation that determines compulsory school age, the process of securing a Year 1 place, making your own arrangements to educate your child of compulsory school age and advice on what to do if you have concerns about your child settling into primary school.
Commenting on the new guidance, Education Minister John O’Dowd said:
“Today’s guidance is the first step-forward in seeking to clarify what is a very important issue for a number of parents. I have already made clear that while it is not possible for me to take forward legislation on this issue at this time, I understand the concerns which a small number of parents have expressed. This new guidance explains the issues that we, as parents, all need to consider as our children approach school starting age. For some parents of children who are born towards the latter end of the academic year, this can be a particularly stressful period.
“Primary schools are ideally placed to provide support to children with a range of needs and I would strongly advise parents to discuss any concerns they may have about their child’s readiness to start school with the Principal of the school they intended applying to.”
Notes to editors:
1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
2. See photos from the Department of Education in our Flickr collection.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.