What a deferred entry to primary school is
If your child reaches the age of 5 between 1 March 2026 and 28 February 2027, they should start primary school in August 2026.
If your child is still 4 years old on the day they would start Primary 1 (P1), you can ask for an additional year of free nursery or childcare and apply to defer their entry to primary school.
This means they will start school the following year, when they have turned 5.
Find out more about what a free nursery or childcare place is.
Who can get an additional year at nursery or childcare
You can ask for an additional year of free nursery or childcare if:
- they are still 4 years old on the date they are eligible to start school
- their 5th birthday is on or between the first day of term in August 2026 and 28 February 2027 and you feel they would benefit from an extra year of nursery
- they have significant additional support needs.
Defer your child’s place at Primary School
There are 3 steps you must complete to ask for an additional year at nursery or childcare and defer your child’s entry to school:
- contact your child's nursery or childcare centre to let them know that you would like an additional year of free early learning and childcare.
- register your child for Primary 1 (P1) at school, but select on the form that you want to defer their start at primary school for a year. The registration period usually takes place during the first week in November. If you miss the registration period, contact your local catchment school to arrange registration.
- apply to defer your child’s entry to primary school online.
You can ask your child's current nursery or childcare centre to help you if you have any problems completing the forms.
After you’ve applied
We’ll send you a letter to confirm that a deferred entry to school has been agreed.
Once you get your letter confirming the deferred entry, you'll need to register your child at their local school again next year. Their school place for this year will be offered to another child.
You can ask for your child to continue at their current nursery or childcare provider, or we can provide them with a funded place at one of our council-run nurseries or council-funded nurseries or childminders.
If you want your child to go to a private nursery or childminder not funded by us, you will have to pay for this cost.
Early entry to school
If you would like your child to start school before their 5th birthday, you can find out what to consider and how to apply for early entry to school.
More information
If you would like more information or advice, you can contact our Children's Services by:
- email cssupport@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone 0300 300 0170
Or write to us at:
Children's Services
Council Headquarters
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1TZ