EY: Staggered entry to school reception classes

Please see message from the DfE below. Please share bullets with parents and carers

We have recently seen an increase in enquiries from LAs about parents wishing to claim one or two weeks free entitlement funding in September if their child’s school operates staggered admission to reception. We hope the information below is of help

• We know that many schools operate a “settling-in” period or a start date later in the term for reception class children. Although many children will have attended nursery full time before joining a reception class, it can be a daunting experience for some children. We also recognise that a settling in period can cause financial and practical pressures for parents.

• We suggest that parents talk to the school’s head teacher about any problems they may experience in any “settling-in” period / late start. The School Admissions Code is clear that children are entitled to a full-time place in a state-funded school reception class from the September following their fourth birthday.