Why do I know nothing about the school admission process?

[aideesmum]

Hi,
Can someone help me? Just been looking on the internet and apparantly my DS will start school in Sept 2009. He will be 5 in Feb 2010. Have I got the correct information and when do I have to apply?
I have no friends with children so how on earth do I find out this information?
Thank god for the internet!

[juuule]

Look on your local council website. The procedure for applying should be on there. I think applications for 2009 start in Sept/Oct this year.

[MrsMattie]

Hi there. Have you looked at your council website? My son is also due to start school in Sept 2009 (also 5 yrs in Feb 2010) and in our area the application process starts in October and closes in January. So basically you have that window of time to fill out an application form (either a paper one or online). If you want to view schools before you decide which ones to apply to you'll need to contact them as soon as term starts in Sept, as most schools stop showing prospective parents around by October. Good luck!

[mrz]

My LA sends every parent a brochure around this time of year explaining the process and listing schools they are usually available from nurseries, libraries and child health clinics too.

[ChippyMinton]

Don't rely in being sent info - I never was. And dates vary widely, here the form must be in by mid-October. Agree best starting point is your council website under School Admissions. Then have a look at Ofsted website too, to read up on your local schools.

[Clary]

Yes he will start in Sept 2009.

You will probably get app forms from your nursery/playgroup assuming he goes to one.

Most LEAs let you apply online now. Prob Oct/Nov this year so I would be looking at choosing a school (if you need to) asap in Sept. Lots of schools have open days now - call yr local ones when they go back and find out.