The application process for primary schools in Gedling borough has opened today, November 4, with the deadline for receipt set for January 15 next year.
Nottinghamshire County Council is now urging parents in the borough to list four preferences and make sure they have submitted their application by the deadline. Applications received after the closing date, including changes of preference, are considered as late applications and will be processed after all on-time applications.
The easiest way to apply for a place is online, but parents who do not have internet access can telephone 0300 500 80 80 to apply. Parents who apply online will get their decision first by email on what’s known as National Offer Day, 16 April 2020, whereas other applicants will have to wait a few days for a letter sent by second class post.
People are being reminded that if their child attends a school’s foundation unit, nursery class or early years’ group, it does not guarantee that they will get a place at the school in reception. Additionally, if a child is in year 2 at infant school, you still need to apply for their junior or primary school place.
Chairman of the County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, Councillor Philip Owen, said: “It is important that all parents are aware they must make an application, even if their child is already attending a nursery.
“Children do
not automatically transfer from nursery to full-time school, or from infant
school to a junior or primary school.
“If it is your first child who is starting in reception, we want to make sure
that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision which
will give you the best chance of getting your child into your preferred school.
“Last year, over 98.7% of families who applied for a primary school place on
time were offered one of their preferred schools.”
Parents of children living in Nottinghamshire will need to apply through
Nottinghamshire County Council, even if they wish to apply for schools in other
local authority areas such as Nottingham City or Derbyshire.
The council’s website www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions has
information to help with the application process, including ‘Admissions to
Schools: Guide for Parents 2020-2021’ which contains lots of useful information
and advice.
Parents must also remember to:
Use all four preferences – there is never a guarantee that a preference can be met, but parents should make sure that they use all four of their preferences rather than just making one preference and limiting their options. This way they are more likely to be offered a place at a school they are happy for their child to attend.
Check the admission oversubscription criteria – parents are urged to include at least one school where their child will have high priority within the school’s admission oversubscription criteria. Information about the criteria can also be found on the Council’s website.
Other relevant information – when applying, parents also need to make sure that they mention any information that is relevant to their application, and which may affect how the admission oversubscription criteria are applied. They should also tell the Council if they are moving house as this may affect how their application is considered. It is important to read the relevant sections in ‘Admissions to schools: Guide for parents 2020-2021’.
For any enquiries about how to apply for a school place, please contact 0300 500 80 80 or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions
