First Admission

Starting School in SCE

Although UK Education law does not apply overseas, SCE follows the law - as closely as possible - as published for England. Provision in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland differs in many respects.

The policy governing the education of Service Children overseas is governed by Joint Service Publication 342.

By law, children have to start school by the beginning of the school term after their fifth birthday (this is when they reach compulsory school age). Children in England start school either in the year or the term in which they reach five depending upon the policy of the Local Authority (see Related links on the right).

SCE Policy

Children are admitted termly to Foundation Stage 1 settings. A child is eligible for admission from the beginning of the term following his/her third birthday. For this purpose, terms are defined as beginning on 1 September, 1 January and 1 April regardless of actual term dates. Thus, a child who has his/her third birthday on 1 September is not eligible for admission to a Foundation Stage 1 setting until the following January.

Children are admitted annually to Foundation Stage 2 classes. A child is eligible for admission from the beginning of the school year following his / her fourth birthday. For this purpose, the school year is defined as beginning on 1 September regardless of actual term dates.

All SCE schools will admit children from four years of age to Foundation Stage 2.

Children with Special and Additional Needs

Children with a wide range of special and additional needs are supported in SCE schools. Because it is not possible to meet the full range of special needs overseas it is particularly important that information about a child’s special needs are made known to SCE before accepting a post in Germany, Cyprus or other areas served by SCE schools. Parents must register children with special and additional needs with the Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) (email CEAS - see email link in Related links on the right).

Compulsory School Age

A child is eligible for admission from the beginning of the school year following his/her fifth birthday. For this purpose, the school year is defined as beginning on 1 September regardless of actual term dates.

Parents / carers are not obliged to take up a place for their children any earlier than the law requires and schools cannot require a child to start sooner than parents / carers wish.

A school year runs from September in one calendar year to August in the next, so children who will reach compulsory school age during the school year 2011/2012 are those born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007. All children of compulsory school age are required by law to attend for 380 sessions (190 days - 38 weeks).

There are slight differences for children admitted to AFNORTH and SHAPE International Schools. Prospective parents are advised to contact these schools for further information.

Nursery Education - entitlement

All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. Families living in isolated detachments, where access to SCE provision is not available, may be able to claim a Nursery ISODET Allowance. An explanatory leaflet "The Foundation Stage - Information for Claimants" is available on request or from your local HIVE.

This applies until children reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). Free nursery education can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at a childminders.

For more information about free nursery education in your area, contact the local HIVE. The HIVE provides information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people's services available within their area.

When your child qualifies for a free place

The table below shows when your child will become eligible for their free early learning / nursery place.

Schooling in SCE

For further information, help or advice - please contact the Business Support Team at HQ SCE (see Related links on the right).