Guide to primary, infant, junior and middle school admissions for 2008-2009

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Welcome

Welcome to the Schools in Suffolk booklet 2008-2009: I hope you find this information helpful when you are applying for a school place for your child.

This booklet contains some key information about schools maintained by Suffolk County Council. It does not cover independent schools in Suffolk. It explains our admissions policy and the criteria we use to decide who is offered a place when a school gets too many applicants.

All schools in Suffolk work in close partnership with the county council to provide the best possible educational opportunities for children and young people. You may be aware that we are currently reviewing the structure of schools in Suffolk to ensure we build on the good standards provided by schools in Suffolk. We want to adapt and continue to improve in order to meet our ambitions for a world class education system fit for the 21st Century. The information in this booklet reflects the current school situation and there will be no immediate changes for at least three years. You can find out more details by looking at the School Organisation Review web pages at www.suffolk.gov.uk/sor

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer, and are happy to hear your comments. If you would like any further help, please contact the Admissions team in your local Area Office.

On behalf of Suffolk County Council and the schools in Suffolk, I would like to wish your child every success and happiness in his or her future school career.

Rosalind Turner
Director for Children and Young People
Suffolk County Council

We have been careful to make sure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of printing. We cannot rule out, however, the need for changes between now and the start of the 2008-2009 school year.

Contents

What does the jargon mean?

Section 1 - Introduction to Schools in Suffolk
How are schools organised?
Are there different types of school?
How do I know what schools are available in my area?
Where can I get more information about each school?
Do I have a choice of schools?
How can I find out more about schools?
Applying for an early full time place or a place in a different age group

Section 2 - Applying for a school place in the first year of entry at primary/junior/middle school
When can my child start school full-time?
Applying for a full time place in the first year of a Suffolk infant or primary school
Which schools can I apply for?
How to apply for a place in the first year of a Suffolk junior or middle school
Timetable for applications
Applying for a voluntary aided school
Moving house
Child who lives at two addresses
Applying for a school outside Suffolk
What will happen if I don't make an application
Applying after the closing date

Section 3 - Your application checklist for the normal admissions round

Section 4 - Applying for a school place at other times of the year
Applying at different times of the year
Moving into an area
Applying for your catchment school
Applying for a school which is not your catchment school
Applying for a voluntary-aided school
Changing schools in Suffolk
When can my application be considered?
Looked After Children Protocol
Children with Challenging Behaviour and Managed Moves Protocol
Fair Access Protocol
Gypsy and Traveller children

Section 5 - School Preference Advice Service

Section 6 - How we offer school places
How we offer school places
Admissions oversubscription criteria
Multiple births
Waiting lists

Section 7 - Voluntary-aided primary and middle schools - admissions oversubscription criteria

Section 8 - Making an appeal
Do I have a right to appeal?
When can I appeal?
What happens at an appeal hearing?
If my appeal is unsuccessful can I make another application?
Where can I get further information?
Appeals for children with a statement of special educational needs

Section 9 - Early education
What is early education?
When can my child start early education?
Where can my child get early education?
How can my child get a place at a school-based nursery class?
Nursery classes in community and voluntary-controlled schools
Nursery classes in voluntary-aided schools
How long can my child stay in a nursery class?
How we offer places in a nursery class?

Section 10 - Special Educational Needs
What should I do if my child has learning difficulties?
What are special educational needs?
Statutory assessment and statement of special educational needs
If my child has special educational needs, do I have a choice about which school they attend?
Are there any special schools and specialist units in Suffolk?

Section 11 - Useful information
Term dates
School transport
Getting help with the cost of going to school
School meals
Parent Partnership Service
Getting involved with school
Attending school
Children who have been excluded from school
Children who find it difficult to cope at school

Section 12 - List of schools in Suffolk
How to use these tables
Primary schools
Middle schools
Special schools
Pupil Referral Units
Nursery schools
Children's Centres

Section 13 - Suffolk's Co-ordinated Admission Scheme for primary and middle schools in full (2008-2009 school year)
Questionnaire for parents and carers
Index

Complaints and Compliments

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