Applications for September 2021 primary school places open today, (Monday 16 November 2020) and a new campaign has been launched to provide guidance to parentsapplying for a place.
Cardiff Council’s School Admissions teamhave identified 7 tips to assist families by explaining how the admissions process works, the importance of using all preferences available to them and why they should apply on time.
Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “The application process for school places can feel complicated and it is important that families have a clear understanding of how best to apply for a place. By completing their application correctly and on time they will increase their chance of getting a place at their preferred school.
“Earlier this year, we launched a new admissions campaign to make the application process as simple and transparent as possible. Early indications for secondary applications, show that the guidance delivered through the campaign has helped families throughout Cardiff and the number applying on time has increased from last year.
“This is a positive step towards ensuring that every family in Cardiff has the knowledge, support and understanding so that they are not at a disadvantage when applying for a school place.”
The campaign features a new animation aimed at children and families which helps to explain the 7 tips. It covers things like;
– The importance of applying on time, by the published application deadline
– The benefits of exploring all the schools in the child’s area by visiting their websites and reading their reports
– The need to include a full list of school preferences in the first application form to increase the chance of getting a school of choice making sure the application form includes essential information such as if the child has a sibling at the school or any additional learning, medical or social needs.
Information is also included on how to make an appeal if you are not offered your preferred school.
Primary school applications close on Monday 11, January 2021.To apply for a school place please go to: www.cardiff.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
Please remember that your child is not automatically entitled to a reception place at a Primary School where they attend the Nursery. A new application must be made for a reception class place at Primary school.
The latest 7 tips School Admissions campaign supports Cardiff’s commitment to becoming one of the UK’s first Unicef Child Friendly Cities,placing the rights and voices of children and young people at the heart of Cardiff’s policies, strategies and services.
The information is also available on the webpage in several languages includingArabic, Czech, Romanian, Portuguese, Polish, Somali and Bengali. The Council is grateful to academics at Cardiff University’s School of Modern Languages who have supported the campaign by providing voice-overs for the animations in these languages.
