Understanding your child’s school start: options for delaying, deferring, and repeating

Starting school is a big step, and for parents of children with Down syndrome, navigating the options for when and how to start can feel daunting. Down Syndrome UK has created a helpful guide on delaying, deferring, and repeating school start, offering clarity and support.

Understanding the legal framework

In England, children traditionally start school in Reception the September after they turn four. However, the law states that a child does not legally need to start school until they reach Compulsory School Age (CSA), which is the term after their fifth birthday. This means:

• For children born in September-December, CSA is 31 December.
• For children born in January-March, CSA is 31 March.
• For children born in April-July, CSA is 31 August.

Parents can choose when their child starts school. Most children start at age four, but there are options to delay or defer.

Deferring school start

Deferring means starting your child later within their usual school year. For example, you can accept a place in the normal Reception year and choose to start your child at the beginning of the term following their CSA birthday.

Read more about deferring school start here.

Delaying school start

Delaying means your child starts school a whole year later than usual, specifically for summer-born children (April-August). A legal challenge confirmed that summer-born children are entitled to start Reception at age five, not Year 1, if in their best interest.

For detailed guidance, see:

• Summer-born children: guidance for admission authorities.
• Starting school: advice for parents.
• Making a request for delayed admission.

Delaying for medical reasons

For children with complex needs, including Down syndrome, delaying may be possible even for non-summer-born children, especially if there have been significant health challenges.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Down Syndrome guidelines provide insight into this, highlighting that decisions should be based on individual circumstances and involve the family, school, and Local Authority.

Repeating Reception or restarting school

Repeating Reception can happen if a child is not ready to move into Year 1 or has missed much of Reception due to illness or other reasons. This requires the support of the school and possibly the Local Authority if the child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Down Syndrome UK offers guidance and support for families considering this option. Explore our resources for parents or contact our EHCP support service for personalised advice.

Key considerations for families

Language matters: Terms like “deferring” and “delaying” can be confusing. Deferring keeps a child in their age group, while delaying usually means starting a year later.

Planning is crucial: Keep records, follow the guidance, and engage with the school and Local Authority early.

Advocacy and support: Down Syndrome UK provides resources, peer support, and expert advice through online groups and EHCP support services.

Join Down Syndrome UK’s Facebook groups for school starters in 2024, 2025, and 2026 for community support.

Further support

For more information, visit:

• Down Syndrome UK’s website.
• Guidance for professionals.
• EHCP online support groups.

Together, we can ensure that every child starts school with the right support for a positive and fulfilling experience.