starting school

[jobekal]

in the red book it says on the 3 - 3 1/2 year review page remember to make sure your child has a school place

Do you have to apply this early? If so, how?

I always thought the local education authority wrote to you when it is nearly time to apply, although if thats the case how do they know that you have a child that age, where do they get your contact details from?

You have to apply the autumn of the year before your child is due to start. So you would be applying now for children born 1.9.03 - 31.8.04

I wasn't sent a form for my DS and got one from the school he is going to. I guess it probably depends on your LEA. In some I think you can apply on line.

The closing date for the first round of allocations in my LEA this year is around 20th November.

Thanks, i was sure they automatically sent you a form

i know its against the law to not provide an education for your child so there must be some way of the LEA knowing that you have a child that age

I think they have a list of all children that age collated from info from GPs but can't be sure.

I thought they sent you a form as well, but it definitely hasn't happened for DS. Think it did when my DD was younger, but that was a different LEA.

I'd go and have a chat with the school you are thinking to apply to and see what they say. It will be a good chance to have a look round and speak to the head as well.

Two of my friends have nearly got caught out, because we used to get forms via nursery, but that doesn't seem to be happening this year. They both have older children at school already, but have had nothing for their younger children, who will start in September. The deadline here (Surrey) is in a couple of weeks. If your child will be four before the end of August, you probably need to be applying now.

That's assuming you are in England.

Our local council send out a letter, application form and a booklet with details of all the schools in the county (Sussex). I didn't get one for my eldest but as everyone else at pre-school were talking about it, I was able to ring up and get one sent to me in plenty of time. We look at schools in January, put applications in mid-Feb, get the results in May and then start in Sept.

I would phone the education dept at your council or look at their website and find out what the timetable is.

And if your DC is due to start school next September you need to phone the schools you're interested in to find out when their open days are. IF you've missed them, they'll give you private appointments.

thanks, yes i am in england

duchess of corspe bride how do the council know you are there, and have a child at that age? Just wondering if there any chance of them missing you?

Depends . For next year, ie born before August 31st 2004, starting Reception in September 2008/January/Easter 2009, you should be applying sometime between now and Easter , but check your LEA website for the precise system and deadlines in your area. You may be able to apply online but usually a pack is sent to all those of eligible age, based on gp/hv registers etc. If not the local library usually has some copies and the LEA can send you one.

oo i need to do this, dd born June 2004. She won't start til Jan 09 though since her school, well the one I hope she'll go to, do 2 intakes. Tried online for mine but still had the form re sept 07's intake not very helpful really

Jobekal - to answer your question to duchess... , yes, there is every chance of your council missing you. Our council has missed two of my friends and the deadline around here is in 12 days' time!

If your child will be four before 31/8/07, definitely give them a ring. People that miss the deadline end up at the bottom of the pile if schools are oversubscribed.

ah, just found on their website that admissions for next year start mid november, phew! so I have a little time!