Admissions Policy

 "Achieving our best together"

Admission to school is a legal requirement: Children must attend full time schooling commencing the beginning of the term when they reach their fifth birthday. A child who fourth birthday falls on or before 31 August may begin school in the following Autumn Term. RATIONALE The young child’s experience of starting school and the induction process designed by the school is crucial for effective learning and sets a pattern for future development. AIMS At Whitchurch Primary School we aim to make the admission of all children as smooth and as stress free as possible.  We aim to minimise stress both for the child and the parents by a sensitive awareness of the feelings of all parties. Our induction programme will be based on the individual needs of each of the children and the gradual introduction of each child will be decided upon by the class teacher in consultation with parents/carers. GUIDELINES Induction Programme: Parents contact the school to register their child. A note is made of the details of the child and parents are asked to complete a form for internal records only. Each family is invited to spend some time in school meeting the children and staff.  Tours will usually be conducted by the children. In the October proceeding the Autumn Term for entry, the family will be sent an official application form and a Prospectus. In the event of more applications being received than there are places available, then all applicants will be considered and places will be awarded by the agreed criteria until the Planned Admission Level has been reached. Unsuccessful applicants will be given the right to appeal. An offer of a place is made in writing to each family. An invitation is extended to all children to spend an afternoon in school meeting their teacher and getting to know other children in their class.  The parents will meet together in the hall with the Headteacher, where important issues will be discussed.  The meeting will end with refreshments during which time parents will have the opportunity to meet members of the Governing Body and Friends of Whitchurch School Association.  The School Nurse will also be invited to this meeting. Parents will be given a booklet to complete with their child which will tell us something about the interests of their child.  This booklet will also contain tips and pointers on how parents can best help their child prepare for school. All parents and carers are invited to a coffee morning early in September, when they will have the opportunity to meet the class teacher/s and ask any questions or express any concerns that they may have. Parents are given a programme for the phasing in of their child’s introduction to full-time schooling.  Usually a process of ‘staggered admission’ is adopted, with all pupils being offered the option of full time attendance (compulsory if the child is of statutory school age, optional if not) at school. CONCLUSION By following this admission procedure we hope to make admission to full time schooling a thoroughly enjoyable process for all concerned.