Children are legally entitled to a full-time place in school at the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday. Every effort is made in Essex for children to be admitted at the start of the term during which they become five. At this age they are known as 'rising five'. The term dates used to determine when children may be admitted are:

Autumn Term - 1 September to 31 December;

Spring Term - 1 January to 30 April;

Summer Term - 1 May to 31 August.

Many schools will admit children earlier than 'rising five' as 'early years'. This could mean children being admitted either full or part time as early as the beginning of the term after their fourth birthday. You should consult the list of schools in the Essex County Council Primary School booklet and the school's published admissions policy, which can be obtained from your preferred school. Please bear in mind that whilst some admission policies may state full time early years entry in the autumn or spring term, there may be a part time induction period of up to four weeks.