Will the Minister revise the School Admissions Code for Wales to include an express provision for summer-born children to be able to enter reception class rather than year 1 in the September that they reach compulsory school age, in accordance with parents, carers and families’ preference?
There is no statutory barrier to children entering Reception at age 5.
The School Admissions Code is clear that Admission Authorities should consider parental requests for admission outside the normal age group carefully and make decisions on the basis of the circumstances of each case and in consultation with the parents and the school, and specifically in relation to what is most beneficial to the child.
We are in the process of undertaking a review of the School Admissions Code. As part of that we will consider whether the guidance requires strengthening in respect of out of normal age admission of summer born children.