Families in Dorset will find out today (16/4) which school their children will be joining in September.
Most pupils, nearly 95 per cent, have been offered their preferred choice of infant, first, primary, junior or middle school.
Dorset Council School Admissions Team received 4,547 infant, first and primary and middle school applications. They were able to offer 4,308 families their first choice of school – a total of 94.7 per cent.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “These are unusual and difficult times, but today we are looking forward to September and a new school year.
“Our work to try and offer families their preferred school has been continuing and I am delighted that so many children will be able to attend their first choice of school. It is a great achievement that first preference choices have been offered on this scale. Starting school or joining a new one is an important milestone in a child’s life and I would like to wish all pupils the very best of luck.
“We do not yet know when schools will re-open, but whatever lies ahead, I know Dorset schools will be working with families to make sure the transition and settling in process is as smooth as possible.”
There are small things parents can do at home to help their child prepare for starting in reception, such as:
• encouraging them to get dressed, undressed and use the toilet independently
• helping them become familiar with numbers, letters and sounds
• reading and singing nursery rhymes
Parents and carers, who applied for a school place online or who have given an email address, will be notified today (16/4) by email. More than 97 per cent applied online. Anyone without an email address should contact Dorset Council School Admissions Team on 01305 221060.
