AQO 1311/17-22 Oral question to the Minister of Education
To ask the Minister of Education whether he will introduce legislation to provide for a flexible school starting age.
Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 26 November 2020
- Answered
- Oral
- After due date
- Tabled
- 26 November 2020
- Answer due by
- 8 December 2020
- Answered
- 9 December 202013 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Education
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The requirement for children who have reached the age of 4 by the 1st July to start primary school in September of that year is set out in Article 46 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
I have previously stated that I would consider whether changes to provide for a legal deferral is the most appropriate way forward and I have asked my officials to bring forward a paper to update previous proposals for deferring school starting age for my consideration.
In determining the best way to proceed, it is essential that an in-depth analysis is undertaken to consider the immediate and longer term effects, including assessing the impact any change might have on the overall number of years a pupil spends in compulsory education.
I will want to fully assess the options presented and I will then set out how I intend to proceed, including any possible requirements in terms of legislation.