Parents: apply now for school

By Kelly Eve Education reporter

Last updated 05:12, Friday, 14 November 2008

PARENTS of pre-school children in Cumbria who want their youngsters to start school next September, have until December 1 to apply for a place.

Children born between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2005 can start primary school in September 2009. Parents are being reminded to complete the application form which is available from the Starting School in Cumbria information pack.

The pack has been distributed to all infant and primary schools in Cumbria and parents are also able to apply online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/admissions.

The admission to infant or primary school application form invites parents to express three preferences for schools in rank order with reasons for the ones which they choose.

The closing date for applications is the beginning of next month.

Letters containing offers will be sent to parents on April 22 next year. The deadline for parents to accept a place will be May 8.

Marie Bagnall, Cumbria County Council’s admissions manager, said: “We urge parents to complete the application form and return it to us before the deadline date because if a late application is submitted for an oversubscribed school it is unlikely that a place would be offered at the school, as all timely applications will be considered first.”

Those who have questions about applying for places can contact the children’s services admissions team on 01228 226894.