ADMISSIONS POLICY

The Nursery class admits thirty children each year for five morning sessions each week. Admission into the Nursery class is usually at the beginning of the term in which a child’s fourth birthday falls. Admission into the reception class is in three broadly equal groups at the beginning of the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms with each child staring full time schooling at the beginning of the term in which his/her fifth birthday falls.

 Responsibility for acceptance to Local Education Authority Maintained Schools lies with the County Council, but registration for admission should in the first instance be made to the head teacher at the school and you may complete a school registration form at any time. During the year before child starts school you will receive information about the primary schools in Hertfordshire and an application form that should be completed and returned to the school of your preference. The local education authority will process the applications and inform you to which school your child has been allocated. You have a right of appeal against this decision if you so wish.

At Woodside the annual admission number is 30 and this is only exceeded in exceptional circumstances. When the school is oversubscribed places will be allocated in the following priority (as set by the local education authority):

1. Children with special educational needs whose statutory statement under the 1993 Education Act names the school as the appropriate school for the child.

2. Children whose brothers or sisters attend the school and who will be there at the time of admission.

3. Children who have a compelling medical reason attested by a medical practitioner which the County Council is satisfied makes attendance at that particular school essential.  

4. Children who have a compelling social reason for attending the school.

5. Children for whom the school is most nearest in relation to alternative schools (measured by the shortest walking route).

6. Children who live nearest the school (measured by the shortest safe walking route).

Please note that this is correct at the time of publication but could be changed by the local education authority.

If you require further information regarding admission to primary schools please contact the school or the County Council’s Student Services Department (01992 588537).

All parents are invited to meet the head teacher and have the opportunity to look round the school in a preliminary visit. Parents of new children are invited to bring their child to visit his/her new class one afternoon. During this time these parents will meet with the headteacher, class teacher, school nurse, a school governor and a member of the school’s PTA. This gives parents the opportunity to raise any concerns or queries informally.