Admission Policy 2008/2009
Rationale
This admissions policy has been created to reflect the school’s value statement and takes into account the Christian foundation and the community focus of the school. The Governors determine the admission policy for the school.
The admission number for the Reception Year and each school year is 30 pupils. Pupils are normally admitted in the September of the school year in which they reach their fifth birthday, but parents are referred to the notes at the end of this policy relating to deferred entry.
Applications for a reception place at the school should be made through the South Gloucestershire Local Authority on their application form as published in the “Admissions to Primary Schools in South Gloucestershire - Information for Parents” Booklet. Booklets are also available from the school office.
The application forms must be received by South Gloucestershire Council by 4.30pm on Friday 19 October 2007.
The Governors also require the completion of an additional information form available from the school office. Parents are also requested to complete the school’s additional information form and return to the school office by Friday 19 October 2007.
The Governing Body of the school will offer places using their published criteria, the timing of the offers will be in line with South Gloucestershire Local Authority.
The school does not maintain a waiting list of unsuccessful applicants.
The criteria listed below will be applied in the order stated should the number of applicants for places in any year group exceed the number of places available.
Criteria
1. “Looked after children” as defined by Section 22 of the Children Act 1989.
2. After considering the above criteria if places remain available the next seven places will be awarded, having regard to the proximity of the applicant’s home to the school on the basis that those living closest to the school will be offered priority.
3. Children whose parent is a member and regular worshipper at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, as defined in this policy.
4. Children who live within the civil parish of Bradley Stoke (a plan is available from the school office) and who, at the time of their application, and admission would have a sibling at the school.
5. Children who live within the civil parish of Bradley Stoke and where at least one parent regularly attends worship in another Christian church or chapel.
6. Children who live within the civil parish of Bradley Stoke and with documented acute social or medical needs and a written statement from the appropriate agency stating that placement at Holy Trinity Primary School is essential.
7. Other applicants not in the above category on the basis that those living closest to the school will be offered priority.
When applications within any of the criteria exceed the number of places available, then places will be allocated having regard to those children living closest to the school.
Definitions
1. Children are siblings if they are half or full brother/sister, adopted brother/sister or they are children of the same household.
2. A Christian Church or chapel means one which is in membership of Churches Together in England or its partner body is in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
3. Regular attendance at worship means one who worships usually twice a month account also being taken of week day acts of worship including cell groups, house groups and bible study groups.
4. References will be requested as evidence in respect of applicant’s within criteria grounds 3 and 5 from somebody who is either the Minister, a member of the governing council or the secretary or church administrator of the church or chapel.
5. Parent shall also mean legal guardian or carer.
6. Distances from home to the nearest school gate are measured using the South Gloucestershire Gazetteer to School Routes dated 1 September 2007.
Late Applications
Applications received after the closing date but before the offers of places have been made by the Governing Body, will be considered in accordance with the criteria above if, in the opinion of the Governing Body, there were good grounds for applicant’s not being able to meet the required deadlines. In all other cases late applications will be considered only after all other applications received before the closing date have been determined.
Casual Admissions
The above criteria will be applied if casual vacancies arise during the school year and there are more applicants than places. The Governors have delegated responsibility for considering casual admissions to the Head Teacher.
Deferred Entry
The Governors and Head Teacher believe that it is in the best interests of all children to commence school in the September of the academic year that a child will attain the age of 5. However, a child is not required to attend school until the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday and admission may be deferred until the beginning of the Spring and Summer terms. Parents seeking such a deferment should make this clear when accepting an offer of a place.
Appeal
Parents have the right to appeal against the refusal by the Governing Body to admit their child and should put their appeal in writing to the Clerk of the Governors at the school within 14 days of receiving the letter of refusal. Appeals will be conducted in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills under Section 84 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. Details of the appeals procedure and guidance will accompany any letter of refusal.