Deadline approaching for primary school applications

Parents have until next Monday (January 15) to apply for a primary school place for their child.

Any parents who have children turning five between September 1, 2018 and August 31, 2019, are due to start school in September this year.

Parents should decide which schools to include on their application and apply for a place in reception year.

Mr Philip Owen, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council's children and young people’s committee, said: "I would urge parents who haven’t so far made an application for September not to miss the January 15 deadline.

"If they do, their application for a primary school place will only be processed after all the on-time applications.

"Parents should be aware that, by that time, the schools they would really like their child to attend might all be full.

"In that case, the county council will make an alternative offer of a place at a school which could be at a distance from the home address."

The council said attendance at a school's foundation unit, nursery class or early years' group did not guarantee a place at the main school at reception age. Parents must still complete an application for a full-time place.

Parents of children currently in year two in an infant school will need to apply for a year three place in a junior or primary school for September 2018.

Children do not automatically transfer from infant to junior/primary school.

Last year, 98% of families who applied for a primary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools.

Parents are advised to read “Admission to schools: Guide for parents 2018-19”, which is available on the council's website, before applying.

Applications can be made by visiting www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions or calling 0300 5008080.

Parents who apply online will get the decision by email on National Offer Day, which is April 16.