It should be reframed as an system that permits a similar “informed request” and can be supported degree of choice is desirable. by a structured process to assess suitability for exceptional delay beyond legal commencement. 4 Being relatively younger in a 12- Education on RAE must be developed for month cohort results in multiple parents and education, PE/sport, and disadvantages. health providers. 5 Extended cohorts have been Research into the effects in Scotland of shown to be detrimental for extended cohorts must be commenced: academic attainment and focussing on inequities, physical injuries, development, but no research mental health, and academic attainment. has been conducted on health effects. 6 Differential rates of deferral widen Those that have advanced rather than correct existing commencement, especially those that did inequities. so inadvertently, must be identified and provided with proportional additional support. 7 Funding an additional year of Funding decisions have inadvertently childcare for Jan-Feb born, and exacerbated inequities but also created pilots for Aug-Feb born, led to both an opportunity to formally adopt the increased deferral but continued legal starting age as default and a demographic bias. transition period due to high levels of deferral. 2 8 Commencement in August after Adoption of the legal commencement age turning 4½ is unique, complicates will align with culturally and climatically international comparison, similar Scandinavian nations balancing competition, and transfer...