The admission of children to schools is controlled by an Admissions Authority. In the case of community schools (formerly known as county schools) and voluntary controlled schools the Admission Authority is Carmarthenshire Local Education Authority (LEA). In the case of voluntary aided schools the Admissions Authority is the Governing Body of the individual school.
Each school has an area that it traditionally serves, sometimes known as the catchment or designated area.
Each school is expected to accommodate all pupils from within the traditional area which it serves and schools must have regard for this ongoing demand.
Most parents send their child to their local school but parents have a right to state a preference for different schools. The LEA and school governors must comply with any preference which is expressed provided it does not affect one of the following:-
- Efficient education or efficient use of resources;
- Class size limits in the infant stage;
- The character of a school (generally religious)
It is possible, therefore, that parents may not be successful in gaining a place at their preferred school.
Criteria for Pupil Entry
The allocation of places will be based on the following criteria listed in priority order:
1. Looked After Children
2. Children who live in the school's traditional designated area;
3. Children with siblings (brothers and sisters) registered at the school at the time of requested admission. Children will be classified as siblings if:-
- They are half or full brother or sister;
- They are adoptive brother or sister;
4. Children recommended for placement with regard to medical, psychological or special educational reasons. These must be confirmed by the LEA's professional advisers.
Within any of the above criteria, priority will be given to those living nearest the school as measured along the public highway and / or public footpath.
Priority will not be given based on the date order in which applications are received.
Admission to Nursery Education
Nursery education is a non-statutory provision and is available in some schools. There are various forms of provision:-
- Nursery School - Ammanford Nursery School is the only nursery school in the county.
- Nursery classes in Infant or Primary Schools.
Children will normally be admitted to nursery on a part-time basis at the beginning of the term following their third birthday, when provision and accommodation allows. The number of places available is set by The Department for Education & Children. It is important to note that there is insufficient provision of facilities in the County to enable all children to be provided with nursery education. Applications for a nursery place should be made to the Headteacher. The criteria for pupil entry will be according to the The Department for Education and Children's guidelines.
As nursery education is non-statutory parents do not have a right of appeal if a place is not secured. Pupils living outside the school's defined geographical area who are admitted will not have an 'automatic' right to continue education within that school. A formal application must be made to The Department for Education & Children for transfer into the infant department at the appropriate time.
Wherever practical The Department for Education & Children allows voluntary pre-school playgroups to use school premises and a number of such playgroups avail themselves of such a facility.
Admission to Infant Schools or Infant Departments of Primary Schools
Where there is no nursery provision, children are admitted on a full-time basis at the following times:-
- In September for those who have their 4th birthday during September to December;
- In January for those who have their 4th birthday during January to March;
- In April for those who have their 4th birthday during April to August.
Admission to Junior Schools
When children leave an infants school arrangements will be made to transfer them to the associated junior school in September following their 7th birthday (ie they will have attained the age of 7 years on or before 31st August). If parents prefer to transfer their child to another junior or primary school they should submit a written request to the Admissions Manager at the Department for Education & Children.
Admission to Secondary Schools
Children are transferred from primary schools to secondary schools at the beginning of the academic year in September following the child's 11th birthday.
At the end of the Autumn Term parents of children in their last year in primary schools will receive a letter from the Director of Education & Children Services giving the name of the secondary school which serves the child's home address. The primary school which the child attends may not necessarily be a feeder of this secondary school. Where there is a bilingual / Welsh school in the child's home address area, parents will have two schools named in the letter. Parents will be invited to express their preference for a school by following the appropriate guidance and completing the form they are sent. Parents do not have to state a preference for the school(s) noted in the letter.
Forms must be completed in full and returned to the Headteacher of the child's primary school by 31st January 2009.
Parents of children who wish their child to be admitted to a secondary school at a time other than the normal time of primary - secondary transfer should make a request to the Headteacher of the school. Alternatively advice may be sought from the Admissions Manager at The Department for Education & Children Headquarters.
Changing Schools
If you move home please contact the Headteacher of your present school and of the new school.
Changing schools requires serious consideration and should be fully discussed with the Headteacher of your child's present school in the first instance. The Department for Education & Children will also provide advice if required. If it is still your wish to transfer your child from one school to another please apply in writing to the Admissions Manager at The Department for Education & Children Headquarters. The Department for Education & Children will give consideration to allowing the change of school in accordance with the admission criteria.
Admission to a Voluntary Aided School
Parents who wish their child to attend a Voluntary Aided School should contact the Headteacher of the school.
Admission arrangements (and appeals) are dealt with by the school's Governing Body in the case of an Aided School.
Appeals Regarding Admission of Pupils to Schools
With the exception of the specific arrangement for Voluntary Aided Schools, the Education Authority will establish an Independent Appeals Committee to consider appeals from parents whose application for a preferred school has not been approved.
There is no right of appeal in the case of refusal of admission to nursery provision.
The Appeal Committee will normally be held in private but parents will be afforded an opportunity of presenting their case either directly or with the assistance of their chosen representative. The Chairman of the committee will inform parents of the decision of the Appeals Committee, which will be binding upon the Education Authority, the Governing Body and the parents.
An appeal by parents must be submitted in writing to:
Director of Education & Children Services
Pibwrlwyd
Carmarthen
SA31 2NH
A copy of the LEA Admission Arrangements Document is available from The Department for Education & Children Headquarters at the above address.
