Children who have their fifth birthday between March and the first day of the school year, are due to start school in August.
Who is eligible?
All children with birth dates between the second day of term in August and the end of February, are automatically entitled to receive an additional year of funded ELC and enter P1 the August after instead.
Applications for an additional year of funded ELC for children with birth dates between 1st March and the first day of term in August, will only be granted in cases warranting this at the discretion of Early Years.
When do I need to decide/apply?
You need to indicate that you wish to apply for this additional year of ELC on the online P1 application form, during P1 registration week in November. If you are unsure of what's best for your child at this time, and would not need a placing request for P1, we would advise you to request an additional year of ELC. You can change your mind and withdraw the request at any point up until the start of the school year.
If you have missed P1 registration week, you should notify educationdata@argyll-bute.gov.uk of your request for an additional year of ELC (including your name, child's name & date of birth).
How do I make the best decision for my child?
You can find further information in the Additional Year of ELC Leaflet on our Early Years Useful Documents page. You can speak directly to your child’s keyworker to help make a decision on what is best for your child. You can also visit the Parent Club Scotland website.
