In England, children start Reception in the September after they turn 4. This means the youngest children in the year (born in late August) are just 4, while the oldest (born in September) are nearly 5. In Scotland, P1 starts in August, with a March 1 birthday cutoff.
Parents of summer-born children (April to August) in England have the right to request delayed entry so their child starts Reception at compulsory school age. In Scotland, children born in January or February have an automatic right to defer P1 and receive an additional year of 1,140 funded nursery hours. Our EYFS guide explains the early years curriculum and what readiness looks like in practice.
This tool provides guidance estimates only. Eligibility, funding, and costs can vary by location and individual circumstances.
Cost assumptions reference Coram Family and Childcare Survey 2025 data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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