Primary Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. When is my child due to join Reception?
All pupils will start school in September, there is no longer two intakes.

2. When can my child first start school?
The law says that all children must start full-time education by the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday. All schools in the Borough admit pupils to Reception Class earlier than this and if you do not wish your child to start full-time education until after their fifth birthday you should contact the headteacher to discuss the implications of taking this decision.

3. When should I apply for a reception class place for my child?
It is important that you complete an application form at your preferred school no later than the 1st of February in the year before your child is due to join Reception. The Headteacher will tell you about the opportunities to visit the school. You are encouraged to read the "Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions" booklet which is available on-line (see "related documents") or from your preferred school or the Admissions Service at the Children's Services Directorate 01384 814209 / 818035 before you express a preference for a school.

 

4. Can I register my child at two different schools?
You should only complete one application form for admission to a primary school. This form will enable you to indicate 3 preferences.  The Admissions Service will undertake checks to ensure that you have not registered at more than one school within Dudley.

 

5. Will my child automatically transfer from nursery into primary school?
No, this is not the case, parents must complete an application form and no priority in the admissions process will be given to children attending nursery schools associated with primary schools.

 

6. What information is available direct from the school?
You will be able to obtain an individual school prospectus, which includes detailed information about the school and its policies. Other documents, which are available, include the last inspection report by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).

 

7. What information is available direct from the Children's Services Directorate?
You will be able to obtain a "Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions" booklet (see "related documents") which contains important information relating to admissions policies of all primary schools in the Borough. School Performance tables can be viewed on the website or copies are available on request.

Please contact the Admissions Service on 01384 814212 / 814209 / 818035.

 

8. If a school receives more applications than places available how will it decide which pupils to admit?
The admissions criteria for Community & Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools are detailed in the "Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions" booklet.

 

The admissions criteria for Foundation and Voluntary Aided Primary Schools may differ and you are advised to refer to the individual detail given in the "Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions" booklet. (see "related documents")

 

The published criteria must be followed and there is no discretion over how the places are filled.

 

9. When will I hear whether or not my application has been successful?
You will be advised in writing by the end of April before your child's admission to Reception Class.

 

10. What will happen if my application has been unsuccessful?
You will be provided with details of the appeals procedure and waiting lists. Where possible we will try to meet your second or third preference of school, if that is not possible then you will be allocated a school place at the next nearest school with a place available.

 

11. What happens if I apply late for admission to Reception Class?
Unless there were circumstances, which stopped you from applying before the closing date, then your application will only be considered after those applicants that were received before the deadline. For further details please see the "Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions" booklet. (see "related documents")

 

12. I am moving into the area and need a primary school place for my child, can you tell me what the procedure is?
Please note that the Council does not operate school catchment areas and parents are able to express a preference for any school that they prefer. The Council is unable to keep spaces available at it's school's for pupils moving into the area.

 

The "Parents Guide to Primary School Admissions" booklet contains the phone numbers and addresses of all primary schools in the Borough. (see "related documents")

 

Initial enquiries about individual schools should be directed to the school concerned. If there are spaces available in your child's particular year group then the headteacher will make arrangements for your child's admission.

 

If your preferred school is full then your application will be directed to The Admissions Service who will provide you with details of the application and appeals procedure and of schools where places are available.

 

13. I have not moved address but I wish my child to transfer from one primary school to another, what is the procedure?
Parents who wish to transfer their son or daughter from one primary school to another should discuss their wishes with the headteachers of both schools concerned. Transfers can be arranged providing that they do not conflict with the provision of efficient education or efficient use of resources. If a transfer is refused, you will be advised of your right of appeal.

 

A form is available from the Admissions Service should you wish to apply for a mid-year transfer. (see "related documents")

 

14. Who can I contact if I have other questions to ask?
If your questions relate to an individual school and its policies or arrangements for admitting pupils then please contact the school concerned direct. If your questions are of a more general nature then you can contact the Admissions Service on 01384 814223 / 814212 / 814209.

Or write to: The Admissions Services at the Children's Serviecs Directorate, Westox House, 1 Trinity Road, Dudley DY1 1JQ