Planning calendar · EYFS, Reception and KS1
EYFS, KS1 and nursery calendar: January 2027 to August 2028
Term dates, bank holidays, festivals, awareness days and assessment deadlines for nurseries, Reception and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), with ideas for how each date fits your setting.
20Months covered
5School terms
157Events and days
16Assessment and admin dates
About this calendar
This calendar runs from January 2027 to August 2028, covering the spring and summer terms of 2026 to 2027 and the whole of 2027 to 2028, for nurseries, Reception and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2).
Term dates are set by each local authority or school, so the term dates below are typical patterns, with the 2028 dates taken from a published 2027/28 framework. Check them against your own setting’s dates. Bank holiday dates are for England.
Fixed date
A set date, such as a bank holiday or a day fixed by a weekday rule.
Typical
A common pattern for term dates. Your local authority may differ.
Expected
Based on a provisional or recommended date, or the organiser’s usual pattern.
Approximate
Religious festivals that depend on the moon, so may move by a day.
Check date
Only the usual timing is known. Confirm before adding to your planner.
Term dates and bank holidays 2027 to 2028
- Fri 1 Jan 2027Fixed date
- New Year's Day bank holidayPublic holiday. Most settings and all schools are closed.Bank holiday
- Tue 5 Jan 2027Check date
- Spring term startsChildren return after the Christmas break. A good time to refresh routines and welcome any January starters.Term dates
- Mid-Feb 2027 (typical 15–19 Feb)Check date
- Spring half-termA one-week school break. Plan staffing and holiday clubs if your nursery stays open.Term dates
- Late Mar 2027Check date
- Spring term endsLast day before the Easter holiday.Term dates
- Fri 26 Mar 2027Fixed date
- Good FridayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- 29 Mar to 9 Apr 2027Typical
- Easter holidaySchool holiday of about two weeks. Year-round nurseries usually stay open apart from the bank holidays.Term dates
- Mon 29 Mar 2027Fixed date
- Easter MondayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- Mon 12 Apr 2027Typical
- Summer term startsThe busiest term for assessment, transition and end-of-year events.Term dates
- Mon 3 May 2027Fixed date
- Early May bank holidayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- Mon 31 May 2027Fixed date
- Spring bank holidayBank holiday at the start of summer half-term.Bank holiday
- 31 May to 4 Jun 2027Typical
- Summer half-termA one-week school break, usually starting with the spring bank holiday.Term dates
- Late Jul 2027Check date
- Summer term endsEnd of the school year. Year-round nurseries continue through the summer.Term dates
- Mon 30 Aug 2027Fixed date
- Summer bank holidayBank holiday at the end of the summer holiday.Bank holiday
- Wed 1 Sep 2027Typical
- Autumn term startsStart of the new academic year, with new starters and new classes.Term dates
- Late Oct 2027 (typical 25–29 Oct)Check date
- Autumn half-termA one-week school break in late October.Term dates
- Fri 17 Dec 2027Typical
- Autumn term endsLast day before the Christmas holiday.Term dates
- 20 Dec 2027 to 3 Jan 2028Typical
- Christmas holidayAbout two weeks of school holiday. Many nurseries close between Christmas and New Year.Term dates
- Mon 27 Dec 2027Fixed date
- Christmas Day substitute bank holidayChristmas Day falls on a Saturday in 2027, so the bank holiday moves to Monday.Bank holiday
- Tue 28 Dec 2027Fixed date
- Boxing Day substitute bank holidayBoxing Day falls on a Sunday in 2027, so the bank holiday moves to Tuesday.Bank holiday
- Mon 3 Jan 2028Fixed date
- New Year's Day substitute bank holidayNew Year's Day falls on a Saturday in 2028, so the bank holiday moves to Monday.Bank holiday
- Tue 4 Jan 2028Typical
- Spring term startsChildren return after the Christmas break. A good time to refresh routines and welcome any January starters.Term dates
- Mid-Feb 2028 (typical 14–18 Feb)Check date
- Spring half-termA one-week school break. Plan staffing and holiday clubs if your nursery stays open.Term dates
- Fri 31 Mar 2028Typical
- Spring term endsLast day before the Easter holiday.Term dates
- 3–17 Apr 2028Typical
- Easter holidaySchool holiday of about two weeks. Year-round nurseries usually stay open apart from the bank holidays.Term dates
- Fri 14 Apr 2028Fixed date
- Good FridayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- Mon 17 Apr 2028Fixed date
- Easter MondayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- Tue 18 Apr 2028Typical
- Summer term startsThe busiest term for assessment, transition and end-of-year events.Term dates
- Mon 1 May 2028Fixed date
- Early May bank holidayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- Mon 29 May 2028Fixed date
- Spring bank holidayBank holiday at the start of summer half-term.Bank holiday
- 29 May to 2 Jun 2028Typical
- Summer half-termA one-week school break, usually starting with the spring bank holiday.Term dates
- Fri 21 Jul 2028Typical
- Summer term endsEnd of the school year. Year-round nurseries continue through the summer.Term dates
- Mon 28 Aug 2028Fixed date
- Summer bank holidayBank holiday at the end of the summer holiday.Bank holiday
Nurseries and childminders that are open all year usually follow the bank holidays but not the school holidays, so check your own opening dates, and any Christmas closure, when you plan parents’ events.
Events, festivals and awareness days by term
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Spring 2027: January to March
- 1 JanFixed date
- Funded entitlement spring term beginsChildren who became eligible for funded hours in the previous term can start their place. Check parents have valid codes in time.Nursery
- Early JanCheck date
- Spring term startsChildren return after the Christmas break. A good time to refresh routines and welcome any January starters.Term dates
- 25 JanFixed date
- Burns NightCelebrates the Scottish poet Robert Burns. A fun chance for Scottish songs, poems and tartan crafts.KS1culture
- Late Jan to early FebCheck date
- National Storytelling WeekCelebrates telling and sharing stories. Try story sacks, puppets and inviting parents to tell a story.All
- 1–7 FebExpected
- Children's Mental Health WeekRun by the charity Place2Be. Focus on feelings, friendships and wellbeing activities.AllPSED
- 4 FebFixed date
- Time to Talk Day (first Thursday of February)Encourages conversations about mental health. For young children, focus on talking about feelings.KS1PSHE
- 6 FebFixed date
- Lunar New Year (Year of the Goat)Celebrated by Chinese and other East and South East Asian communities, with red decorations, dragon dances and the new zodiac animal.Festival
- About 8 Feb to 9 MarApproximate
- RamadanThe Muslim month of fasting, prayer and reflection. Young children don't fast, but families may have changed routines.Festivaldates depend on moon sighting
- 9 FebFixed date
- Safer Internet Day (second Tuesday of February)Promotes safe and positive use of technology. Share simple online safety tips with families.KS1online safety
- Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)Pancake Day, the day before Lent begins. Pancake making and races are popular activities.seasonal
- 10 FebFixed date
- Ash Wednesday, start of LentThe first day of Lent, a Christian period of 40 days before Easter.Festival
- Mid-Feb (typical 15–19 Feb)Check date
- Spring half-termA one-week school break. Plan staffing and holiday clubs if your nursery stays open.Term dates
- 1 MarFixed date
- St David's DayThe national day of Wales, celebrating St David with daffodils, leeks and Welsh songs.Wales
- 4 MarFixed date
- World Book Day (first Thursday of March)Celebrates books and reading. Children often dress as book characters, and families may receive book tokens.All
- 7 MarFixed date
- Mothering SundayCelebrates mothers and mother figures. Be sensitive to children who may not have a mum at home.Seasonal
- 8 MarFixed date
- International Women's DayCelebrates women's achievements. Share stories of inspiring women.KS1
- About 9–10 MarApproximate
- Eid al-Fitr (depends on moon sighting)Marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, family meals and gifts. The exact date depends on the moon.Festival
- Mid-MarCheck date
- British Science WeekTen days celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths. Try simple experiments and investigations.KS1
- HoliThe Hindu festival of colours, celebrating spring. Colour mixing and painting activities fit well.festival
- Red Nose Day (held in March of odd years)Comic Relief's fundraising day. Settings often hold a red dress-up day.whole setting fundraising
- 17 MarFixed date
- St Patrick's DayThe national day of Ireland, with green clothing, shamrocks and Irish music.Culture
- 19 MarExpected
- World Sleep DayHighlights the importance of sleep. Share bedtime routine tips with parents.Health
- 20 MarFixed date
- Spring equinoxDay and night are about the same length. A good time to look for signs of spring.Seasonal
- 21 MarFixed date
- World Down Syndrome DayCelebrates people with Down syndrome. Many settings join in by wearing odd socks.Allinclusion
- Palm SundayThe Sunday before Easter, marking Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem.festival
- Late MarCheck date
- Last day of spring termLast day before the Easter holiday. Share any end-of-term updates with families.Term dates
- 26 MarFixed date
- Good FridayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- 28 MarFixed date
- Easter SundayThe main Christian festival, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Egg hunts and spring crafts work well in the days before.Festival
- British Summer Time beginsThe clocks go forward one hour. Children's sleep and routines may be unsettled for a few days.seasonal
Parents' evenings and nursery open days often fall in the spring term. Add them once confirmed.
Summer 2027: April to August
- 29 Mar to 9 AprTypical
- Easter holidaySchool holiday of about two weeks. Year-round nurseries usually stay open apart from the bank holidays.Term dates
- 29 MarFixed date
- Easter MondayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- 1 AprFixed date
- Funded entitlement summer term beginsChildren who became eligible for funded hours in the previous term can start their place. Check parents have valid codes in time.Nursery
- 2 AprFixed date
- World Autism Awareness DayPromotes understanding and acceptance of autistic people.Allinclusion
- 12 AprTypical
- Summer term startsThe busiest term for assessment, transition and end-of-year events.Term dates
- 14 AprFixed date
- VaisakhiA Sikh and Punjabi harvest festival, marking the founding of the Khalsa.Festival
- April to JuneFixed date
- EYFS Profile assessment windowReception teachers complete the EYFS Profile, judging each child against the 17 Early Learning Goals.Reception
- Late AprCheck date
- PassoverA Jewish festival remembering the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt, with a special meal called the Seder.Festival
- 22 AprFixed date
- Earth DayFocuses on caring for the planet. Try planting, litter picks and recycling activities.KS1Understanding the World
- 23 AprFixed date
- St George's DayThe national day of England, celebrating St George and the dragon story.Seasonal
- 3 MayFixed date
- Early May bank holidayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- MayCheck date
- Optional KS1 testsSince 2024, KS1 tests in reading and maths are optional. Schools can use them to inform teacher assessment.KS1
- 10–16 MayProvisional
- Mental Health Awareness WeekRun by the Mental Health Foundation, with a new theme each year.AllPSED
- About 16–17 MayApproximate
- Eid al-Adha (depends on moon sighting)The Muslim festival of sacrifice, marked with prayers, family gatherings and sharing food. The date depends on the moon.Festival
- 19 MayExpected
- National Numeracy DayPromotes confidence with numbers. Try counting games, songs and number hunts.Allmaths
- Mid-MayCheck date
- Walk to School WeekEncourages families to walk, scoot or cycle to school or nursery.Alloutdoors
- 31 MayFixed date
- Spring bank holidayBank holiday at the start of summer half-term.Bank holiday
- 31 May to 4 JunTypical
- Summer half-termA one-week school break, usually starting with the spring bank holiday.Term dates
- All of JuneFixed date
- Pride MonthCelebrates LGBT+ communities. For young children, focus on different kinds of families.Whole setting
- 1–7 JunFixed date
- Volunteers' WeekThanks volunteers, including parent helpers and governors.Whole setting
- 5 JunFixed date
- World Environment DayA UN day for protecting the environment. Explore nature and talk about caring for living things.KS1
- Mon 14 JunFixed date
- Phonics screening check weekYear 1 children read 40 words aloud to a teacher to check their phonics decoding. Children who don't meet the standard retake it in Year 2.Year 1
- 14–20 JunExpected
- Refugee WeekCelebrates the contributions of refugees. Share stories about welcome and kindness.KS1PSHE
- Mid-JunCheck date
- Carers WeekRecognises unpaid carers, including young carers and families in your setting.Whole setting
- Learning Disability WeekRun by Mencap, celebrating people with a learning disability.Whole setting
- 20 JunFixed date
- Father's DayCelebrates fathers and father figures. Be sensitive to different family set-ups.Seasonal
- 22 JunFixed date
- Windrush DayCelebrates the Windrush generation who came to the UK from the Caribbean from 1948.KS1
- 26 JunFixed date
- Armed Forces DayShows support for the armed forces community, including service families.KS1
- Late JunCheck date
- EYFS Profile data due to local authoritySchools submit each child's EYFS Profile results to the local authority.Reception
- Jun to JulCheck date
- Sports day, transition visits, graduation, end-of-year reportsThe busy end-of-year period. Plan transition visits early so children feel ready for their next class or school.Whole setting
- Late JulCheck date
- Last day of summer termEnd of the school year. Say goodbye to leavers and share transition information.Term dates
- 30 AugFixed date
- Summer bank holidayBank holiday at the end of the summer holiday.Bank holiday
- 31 AugFixed date
- End of academic yearThe academic year officially ends. Children move up a year group from 1 September.Whole setting
Autumn 2027: September to December
- Early SepFixed date
- Settling-in and new startersNew children join and settle in. Plan key person time and gradual starts.NurseryReception
- funded entitlement terms begin 1 SepChildren who became eligible for funded hours over the summer can start their place.NurseryReception
- First 6 weeks of ReceptionFixed date
- Reception baseline assessmentA short, statutory check of early maths, literacy and language, done in the first six weeks of Reception.Reception
- 8 SepFixed date
- International Literacy DayA UNESCO day promoting reading and writing. Celebrate stories, songs and mark-making.Allstories and phonics
- 13 SepFixed date
- Roald Dahl DayCelebrates the author's birthday. Dress-up days and story activities are popular.Allstories and drama
- Sep to OctCheck date
- Harvest festivalGives thanks for food and the harvest. Settings often collect food for local food banks.Allcommunity and seasons
- 21 SepFixed date
- International Day of PeaceA UN day promoting peace. Talk about kindness and getting along.KS1PSHE
- 24 SepFixed date
- Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning (last Friday of September)A fundraising coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support. A simple way to invite families in.Whole-setting fundraising
- 26 SepFixed date
- European Day of LanguagesCelebrates languages. Invite families to share words and songs from their home languages.Allhome languages
- All of OctoberFixed date
- Black History Month (UK)Celebrates the history and achievements of Black people in the UK.All
- 1–3 OctFixed date
- Rosh HashanahThe Jewish New Year, often marked with apples dipped in honey for a sweet year.Festival
- 4–10 OctFixed date
- World Space WeekCelebrates space science. Explore planets, rockets and the moon.KS1Understanding the World
- 5 OctFixed date
- World Teachers' DayCelebrates teachers and early years educators.Whole setting
- 7 OctFixed date
- National Poetry Day (first Thursday of October)Celebrates poetry. For young children, focus on rhymes, rhythm and action poems.Allrhymes and poetry
- 10 OctFixed date
- World Mental Health DayA global mental health awareness day. Talk with children about feelings.KS1PSHE
- 10–11 OctFixed date
- Yom KippurThe Jewish Day of Atonement, a day of fasting and prayer.Festival
- 22 OctFixed date
- International Stammering Awareness DayRaises awareness of stammering. Useful for practitioners supporting speech and language.Practitionersspeech and language
- Late OctCheck date
- Autumn half-termA one-week school break in late October.Term dates
- 29 OctFixed date
- DiwaliThe festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains with lamps, rangoli patterns and sweets.Festival
- 31 OctFixed date
- HalloweenDressing up and pumpkins. Some families don't celebrate it, so offer an autumn alternative.Seasonal
- 5 NovFixed date
- Bonfire NightMarks Guy Fawkes Night with fireworks. A chance to teach fireworks safety and support children who find loud bangs scary.Seasonalfireworks safety
- 11 NovFixed date
- Armistice DayRemembers those who died in war, with two minutes' silence at 11am.KS1remembrance
- 13 NovFixed date
- World Kindness DayCelebrates kindness. Try kindness challenges and talk about being a good friend.AllPSED
- 14 NovFixed date
- Remembrance SundayThe national day of remembrance for those who died in conflict.Remembrance
- Guru Nanak's birthdayCelebrates the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak.festival
- Mid-NovCheck date
- Anti-Bullying Week (starts with Odd Socks Day)Encourages kindness and respect. Odd Socks Day celebrates everyone being different.AllPSED
- National Nursery Rhyme WeekCelebrates nursery rhymes and their role in early language and literacy.NurseryReception
- Road Safety WeekRaises awareness of road safety. Practise stop, look and listen with children.Allsafety
- Children in NeedThe BBC's fundraising day, often with Pudsey-themed dress-up and activities.Whole setting fundraising
- 20 NovFixed date
- Universal Children's DayA UN day for children's rights and wellbeing.All
- 28 NovFixed date
- Advent beginsThe start of the Christian season leading up to Christmas.Festival
- Early to mid-DecCheck date
- Christmas jumper day, nativities and partiesThe festive run-up to the holidays. Plan nativities and parties early to involve families.Whole setting
- 17 DecTypical
- Last day of autumn termLast day before the Christmas holiday.Term dates
- 24 Dec 2027 to 1 Jan 2028Fixed date
- HanukkahThe Jewish festival of lights, lasting eight nights, marked by lighting the menorah.Festivalduring holiday
- 25 DecFixed date
- Christmas DayThe Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus.Festivalduring holiday
Parents' evenings, school photographs and the children's flu vaccination programme usually fall in the autumn term. Dates are set locally, so add them once your setting confirms them.
Spring 2028: January to March
- 1 JanFixed date
- Funded entitlement spring term beginsChildren who became eligible for funded hours in the previous term can start their place. Check parents have valid codes in time.Nursery
- 4 JanTypical
- Spring term startsChildren return after the Christmas break. A good time to refresh routines and welcome any January starters.Term dates
- 25 JanFixed date
- Burns NightCelebrates the Scottish poet Robert Burns. A fun chance for Scottish songs, poems and tartan crafts.KS1culture
- 26 JanFixed date
- Lunar New Year (Year of the Monkey)Celebrated by Chinese and other East and South East Asian communities, with red decorations, dragon dances and the new zodiac animal.Festival
- About 27 Jan to 25 FebApproximate
- RamadanThe Muslim month of fasting, prayer and reflection. Young children don't fast, but families may have changed routines.Festivaldates depend on moon sighting
- Late Jan to early FebCheck date
- National Storytelling WeekCelebrates telling and sharing stories. Try story sacks, puppets and inviting parents to tell a story.All
- 3 FebFixed date
- Time to Talk Day (first Thursday of February)Encourages conversations about mental health. For young children, focus on talking about feelings.KS1PSHE
- 7–13 FebExpected
- Children's Mental Health WeekRun by the charity Place2Be. Focus on feelings, friendships and wellbeing activities.AllPSED
- 8 FebFixed date
- Safer Internet Day (second Tuesday of February)Promotes safe and positive use of technology. Share simple online safety tips with families.KS1online safety
- Mid-Feb (typical 14–18 Feb)Check date
- Spring half-termA one-week school break. Plan staffing and holiday clubs if your nursery stays open.Term dates
- 26 FebFixed date
- Eid al-Fitr (may vary by one day)Marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, family meals and gifts. The exact date depends on the moon.Festival
- 29 FebFixed date
- Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)Pancake Day, the day before Lent begins. Pancake making and races are popular activities.Seasonal
- 1 MarFixed date
- Ash Wednesday, start of LentThe first day of Lent, a Christian period of 40 days before Easter.Festival
- St David's DayThe national day of Wales, celebrating St David with daffodils, leeks and Welsh songs.Wales
- 2 MarFixed date
- World Book Day (first Thursday of March)Celebrates books and reading. Children often dress as book characters, and families may receive book tokens.All
- 8 MarFixed date
- International Women's DayCelebrates women's achievements. Share stories of inspiring women.KS1
- Mid-MarCheck date
- British Science WeekTen days celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths. Try simple experiments and investigations.KS1Understanding the World
- HoliThe Hindu festival of colours, celebrating spring. Colour mixing and painting activities fit well.Festival
- 17 MarFixed date
- World Sleep Day (expected)Highlights the importance of sleep. Share bedtime routine tips with parents.Health
- St Patrick's DayThe national day of Ireland, with green clothing, shamrocks and Irish music.culture
- 20 MarFixed date
- Spring equinoxDay and night are about the same length. A good time to look for signs of spring.Seasonal
- 21 MarFixed date
- World Down Syndrome DayCelebrates people with Down syndrome. Many settings join in by wearing odd socks.Allinclusion
- 26 MarFixed date
- Mothering SundayCelebrates mothers and mother figures. Be sensitive to children who may not have a mum at home.Seasonal
- British Summer Time beginsThe clocks go forward one hour. Children's sleep and routines may be unsettled for a few days.seasonal
- 31 MarTypical
- Last day of spring termLast day before the Easter holiday. Share any end-of-term updates with families.Term dates
Parents' evenings and nursery open days often fall in the spring term. Add them once confirmed.
Summer 2028: April to August
- 1 AprFixed date
- Funded entitlement summer term beginsChildren who became eligible for funded hours in the previous term can start their place. Check parents have valid codes in time.Nursery
- 2 AprFixed date
- World Autism Awareness DayPromotes understanding and acceptance of autistic people.Allinclusion
- 3–17 AprTypical
- Easter holidaySchool holiday of about two weeks. Year-round nurseries usually stay open apart from the bank holidays.Term dates
- 13–14 AprFixed date
- VaisakhiA Sikh and Punjabi harvest festival, marking the founding of the Khalsa.Festival
- 14 AprFixed date
- Good FridayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- 16 AprFixed date
- Easter SundayThe main Christian festival, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Egg hunts and spring crafts work well in the days before.Festival
- 17 AprFixed date
- Easter MondayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- Mid-AprCheck date
- PassoverA Jewish festival remembering the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt, with a special meal called the Seder.Festival
- 18 AprTypical
- Summer term startsThe busiest term for assessment, transition and end-of-year events.Term dates
- April to JuneFixed date
- EYFS Profile assessment windowReception teachers complete the EYFS Profile, judging each child against the 17 Early Learning Goals.Reception
- 22 AprFixed date
- Earth DayFocuses on caring for the planet. Try planting, litter picks and recycling activities.KS1Understanding the World
- 23 AprFixed date
- St George's DayThe national day of England, celebrating St George and the dragon story.Seasonal
- 1 MayFixed date
- Early May bank holidayBank holiday. Most settings close.Bank holiday
- 5 MayFixed date
- Eid al-Adha (may vary by one day)The Muslim festival of sacrifice, marked with prayers, family gatherings and sharing food. The date depends on the moon.Festival
- World Hand Hygiene DayPromotes good handwashing. Practise handwashing songs with children.health
- MayRecommended
- Optional KS1 testsSince 2024, KS1 tests in reading and maths are optional. Schools can use them to inform teacher assessment.KS1
- Mid-MayCheck date
- Mental Health Awareness WeekRun by the Mental Health Foundation, with a new theme each year.AllPSED
- Walk to School WeekEncourages families to walk, scoot or cycle to school or nursery.Alloutdoors
- 17 MayExpected
- National Numeracy DayPromotes confidence with numbers. Try counting games, songs and number hunts.Allmaths
- 29 MayFixed date
- Spring bank holidayBank holiday at the start of summer half-term.Bank holiday
- 29 May to 2 JunTypical
- Summer half-termA one-week school break, usually starting with the spring bank holiday.Term dates
- All of JuneFixed date
- Pride MonthCelebrates LGBT+ communities. For young children, focus on different kinds of families.Whole setting
- 5 JunFixed date
- World Environment DayA UN day for protecting the environment. Explore nature and talk about caring for living things.KS1
- Mon 12 JunFixed date
- Phonics screening check weekYear 1 children read 40 words aloud to a teacher to check their phonics decoding. Children who don't meet the standard retake it in Year 2.Year 1
- Mid-JunCheck date
- Carers WeekRecognises unpaid carers, including young carers and families in your setting.Whole setting
- Learning Disability WeekRun by Mencap, celebrating people with a learning disability.Whole setting
- 18 JunFixed date
- Father's DayCelebrates fathers and father figures. Be sensitive to different family set-ups.Seasonal
- 19–25 JunFixed date
- Refugee WeekCelebrates the contributions of refugees. Share stories about welcome and kindness.KS1PSHE
- 22 JunFixed date
- Windrush DayCelebrates the Windrush generation who came to the UK from the Caribbean from 1948.KS1
- 24 JunFixed date
- Armed Forces DayShows support for the armed forces community, including service families.KS1
- Late JunCheck date
- EYFS Profile data due to local authoritySchools submit each child's EYFS Profile results to the local authority.Reception
- Jun to JulCheck date
- Sports day, transition visits, graduation, end-of-year reportsThe busy end-of-year period. Plan transition visits early so children feel ready for their next class or school.Whole setting
- 21 JulTypical
- Last day of summer termEnd of the school year. Say goodbye to leavers and share transition information.Term dates
- 28 AugFixed date
- Summer bank holidayBank holiday at the end of the summer holiday.Bank holiday
- 31 AugFixed date
- End of academic yearThe academic year officially ends. Children move up a year group from 1 September.Whole setting
Assessment, funding and admin dates
The assessment windows below are from the government’s published dates for 2027 and 2028. Items marked check date depend on your local authority or the Department for Education, so confirm them before adding them to your planner.
| Item | Who it affects | When |
|---|---|---|
| Funded childcare termsChildren can start funded hours from the term after they become eligible. Parents must reconfirm working parent codes every three months. | Nursery | Terms begin 1 Jan, 1 Apr and 1 Sep each year. Applications and code reconfirmation are due before each term (check date). |
| Progress check at age twoA short written summary of development in the three prime areas, shared with parents. | Nursery | Rolling, when each child is between 24 and 36 months |
| Autumn, spring and summer censusCensus returns tell the Department for Education about pupils and funded children, and affect funding. | Schools and funded nurseries | October, January and May each year (check date) |
| Reception applications for September 2027Remind families of children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 to apply on time. | Nursery to Reception transition | Deadline 15 Jan 2027, offer day 16 Apr 2027 (expected, check with your local authority) |
| EYFS Profile assessmentTeachers judge each child against the 17 Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception. | Reception | April to June 2027 |
| Optional KS1 testsOptional reading and maths tests that schools can use to support teacher assessment. | Year 2 | Recommended during May 2027 (check date) |
| Phonics screening checkChildren read 40 words aloud. Those who don’t meet the standard retake it in Year 2. | Year 1 | Week beginning Monday 14 Jun 2027 |
| EYFS Profile data to local authoritySchools submit EYFS Profile results to the local authority. | Reception | Late June 2027 (check date) |
| KS1 teacher assessmentTeachers’ judgements of attainment at the end of Key Stage 1. | Year 2 | Summer term 2027 (check date) |
| Reception baseline assessmentA short check of early maths, literacy and language, done one to one. | Reception | First 6 weeks after children enter Reception in autumn 2027 |
| Reception applications for September 2028Remind families of children born between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024 to apply on time. | Nursery to Reception transition | Deadline 15 Jan 2028, offer day 18 Apr 2028 (expected, check with your local authority) |
| EYFS Profile assessmentTeachers judge each child against the 17 Early Learning Goals at the end of Reception. | Reception | April to June 2028 |
| Optional KS1 testsOptional reading and maths tests that schools can use to support teacher assessment. | Year 2 | Recommended during May 2028 |
| Phonics screening checkChildren read 40 words aloud. Those who don’t meet the standard retake it in Year 2. | Year 1 | Week beginning Monday 12 Jun 2028 |
| EYFS Profile data to local authoritySchools submit EYFS Profile results to the local authority. | Reception | Late June 2028 (check date) |
| KS1 teacher assessmentTeachers’ judgements of attainment at the end of Key Stage 1. | Year 2 | Summer term 2028 (check date) |
How to use this calendar in your setting
- 1Add your own term datesReplace typical dates with your local authority’s or setting’s confirmed dates.
- 2Block out assessment periodsKeep the EYFS Profile, phonics check and baseline weeks free of big events.
- 3Choose festivals that reflect your familiesAsk parents which celebrations matter to them and invite them to share.
- 4Plan parents’ events earlyFit parents’ evenings, open days and transition visits around holidays and closures.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2027 to 2028 school year start?
Most schools in England start the autumn term on or around Wednesday 1 September 2027. Check your local authority or school for exact dates.
When are the bank holidays in 2027 and 2028?
In England, 2027 bank holidays are 1 January, 26 and 29 March, 3 and 31 May, 30 August, and 27 and 28 December. In 2028, they are 3 January, 14 and 17 April, 1 and 29 May, and 28 August.
When is the phonics screening check in 2027 and 2028?
The Year 1 phonics screening check takes place in the week beginning Monday 14 June 2027 and the week beginning Monday 12 June 2028.
When is the EYFS Profile completed?
The EYFS Profile is completed in the summer term of Reception, with assessment between April and June. Data is then submitted to the local authority, usually by late June.
Are KS1 SATs still statutory?
No. KS1 tests are optional, and schools can choose to use them in May to support teacher assessment.
When do funded childcare terms start?
Funded childcare terms begin on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September. A child can usually start funded hours from the term after they become eligible.
When is the Reception application deadline?
The national deadline for primary school applications is 15 January, with offers made in mid-April. Check with your local authority.
Do nurseries follow school term dates?
Not always. Nurseries and childminders that are open all year usually close only on bank holidays. Term-time settings follow local school dates.