Admission to Blackpool Primary Schools 2021- A Guide for Parents CLOSING DATE 15 JANUARY 2021 APPLY ON-LINE AT ...
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Admission to
Blackpool Primary
Schools 2021 –
A Guide for Parents
CLOSING DATE
15 JANUARY 2021
APPLY ON-LINE AT
www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
www.blackpool.gov.ukINTRODUCTION
This brochure is designed to support you through the process of applying for a
Dear Parent/Carer,
primary place. It explains how the process works, what your rights as a parent or
carer are and how to appeal if you are not offered a place for your child in one of As the Lead Member for Children’s Services and the Director of Children’s Services,
your preferred schools or academies. we are pleased to introduce this brochure, setting out the arrangements for the
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
If you have made contact with your preferred school or academy earlier than this admission of children to primary schools for the academic year beginning in
to express an interest in a place, you must still complete an application through September 2021
the Local Authority. If your child’s 4th birthday falls between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021,
Please read this brochure carefully and if you have any queries please contact the then you will need to apply for his or her primary place. This brochure explains how
School Admissions Team on 01253 476637. you can apply on-line for a school or academy. One of the main benefits of applying
Blackpool Academies (excluding voluntary aided academies) currently delegate on-line is that you can find out on the National Offer date, by e-mail, which school
responsibilities for admissions and appeals to the Local Authority. For the purpose or academy your child has been allocated.
of this brochure, all schools, academies and free schools have been referred to as We are aware that choosing a school for your child is a really important decision.
school(s). Page 8 explains the different type of school. This brochure tells you which schools and academies are in Blackpool, how to
Note: The information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of going to apply for a place and how places are allocated. Each year, the majority of parents
press. However, legislation may be reviewed and you are strongly recommended to are offered a place at one of their preferred options. However, this is not always
consult Blackpool Council’s website and any relevant school’s website for updates. possible when more applications are received than there are places available. If
You can apply on-line at www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions. your preferences cannot be met, you will be told why, how to appeal and how to
Alternatively, you can apply on a paper application form, which is available from put your child’s name on waiting lists.
any Blackpool primary school or the School Admissions Team. If you apply on-line, You will find a list of local schools and academies, with an address and telephone
you must NOT complete the paper application form. number for each, within this brochure. If you have any queries about an individual
VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOLS MAY ALSO REQUIRE A SUPPLEMENTARY FORM TO establishment, do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher/Principal.
BE COMPLETED IN RELATION TO APPLICATIONS BASED ON FAITH. THE FORM
Each school and academy has its own website and prospectus which gives details
MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
such as the curriculum, activities and facilities. This information will help you
You must complete and return an application form before the closing make up your mind before you complete your application. For those schools and
date of FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021.Do not wait until the final day to submit academies which are their own admission authority, such as some church schools
your application in case of computer failure or a delay in postal services. and academies, the prospectus will also give you detailed information about how
The School Admissions Team can be contacted at: places are allocated.
Children’s Services Department, PO Box 4, Blackpool FY1 1NA
You must submit your application by the closing date, even if you already have
Tel: 01253 476637
another child at your preferred school or academy. If your application is late, this
Email: schoolaccess@blackpool.gov.uk
will reduce your chances of being allocated a place at one of your preferred options.
PLEASE KEEP THIS SAFE If you need further help with the application process, please contact the School
Make a note of your email address and login/password for you to access your Admissions Team.
on-line application
Email address _________________________________
Password ____________________________________
Voluntary aided schools/academies ask that you also complete a Cllr Kathryn Benson Diane Booth
supplementary form Lead Member for Children’s Services Director of Children’s ServicesCONTENTS
Page
1 How old does your child have to be when you apply for a primary WHEN DO CHILDREN START AT their 4th birthday.
school place? PRIMARY SCHOOL? A phased or part time start can be
2 If your child has Special Educational Needs Children must legally start at primary
requested.
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
school from the term start after their 5th
3 How to apply for a place at a Blackpool Primary School – (on-line) Arrangements are to be agreed with
birthday.
5 How to apply for a place at a Blackpool Primary School – each school or academy after offers have
(paper application) All admission authorities must however
been finalised.
provide for admission in the September
6 Important Points to remember when completing your application In the event that you are thinking
after each child’s 4th birthday. This is
7 Timetable for Primary Admissions when most children usually start school. of deferring your child’s entry into a
8 Applying For A Voluntary Aided (Faith) Primary School/Academy primary school reception class please
If your child was born between
8 Academies consider the following:-
September 2016 and 31 August 2017
8 Free Schools then he / she should start school on the Q Your child will miss the gentle
8 Independent Schools first day of term in September 2021. introduction to school which a
reception class offers. This helps
9 How places are allocated for Blackpool Community and Voluntary If you receive an offer for a primary
the child to become accustomed to
Controlled Primary Schools and Academies school place for the September after
school life.
9 Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan your child’s 4th birthday you can defer
9 Oversubscription Criteria the start date within the reception year Q Your child may not understand why
12 Joint Residency and transport (for 1 or 2 terms). The place will be held their friends / peers from nursery
12 Infant Class Size (reserved) and the start date would have moved on and they have not.
13 Additional Information usually be at term start in January or Q Your child may not be able to stay in
13 Late Applications March / April. (Even with deferred entry nursery after his / her 5th birthday.
13 Change of Preference within the reception year the child must This will create a gap between
13 Moving House start school at term start after a 5th nursery provision and starting at a
13 Fraudulent Applications birthday). primary school.
14 Waiting Lists
14 UK Service Personnel If your child is summer born (has a Q Your child will be placed with
15 Applications from abroad (and other areas of the UK) birthday between 1 April and 31 August) children who have already had the
you can decide to delay his / her primary opportunity to adapt to primary
15 Admission to Blackpool Primary Schools after 1st September
start for a full school year – until the school life and who have already
15 In-Year Fair Access Protocol
September after the 5th birthday. If this formed friendships.
15 Appeal Arrangements is your decision then your child will have
15 How to appeal missed the reception year and you will If your child is summer born and you feel
18 Nurseries in Blackpool at a later date need to apply for a Year 1 that there are substantial / exceptional
place. There may then not be available reasons why he / she should start Primary
18 School Transport
Year 1 places at schools which were your school in the September after a 5th
20/21 Where to get further information birthday, and still have a reception start,
original preferences. You may receive
22/47 Contact information for all Blackpool Primary Schools an offer for a place for a school which is you can apply for this to happen. Further
30 Map of all Blackpool Schools further from your home address. details are available from the School
Admissions Team (01253 476637).
48 Sample Forms The vast majority of children do start
59 Useful Telephone Numbers primary school in the September after
1How to apply for a place at a Blackpool
Primary School
You will need to apply for a primary and detail the special educational needs application is handled from that point by until midnight on the closing date of
school place at the usual time (before of your child in the space provided. This the SEND Officer that has been allocated FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021.
the statutory closing date) and confirm needs to be completed before Friday to your child. Do not wait until the final day to
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
your request. You should also provide 15th January 2021. submit your application in case of
The Admissions team and the SEND
supporting information / evidence. computer failure or unexpected
If your child is in the process of team work closely together. If you
Substantial and / or exceptional may technical difficulties in accessing the
obtaining an education, health and have any concerns over your child’s
include developmental; educational; internet.
care plan (EHCP): placement, please contact send@
medical; social and welfare reasons.
blackpool.gov.uk or telephone them on Will your application be secure?
Premature birth and illness preventing Your child will access the admissions
01253 476602.
nursery provision for most or all of the process for mainstream applications as The system has a series of security
previous year will also be considered. outlined in this booklet. Should your features that will prevent others from
child receive an EHCP during Autumn seeing your information.
Please note however that the majority
of children, including those with special
Term 2020, your application will be APPLY ON-LINE You should not disclose your username
processed by the SEND Team who will
and additional needs, do start school in and/or password to anyone else.
contact you directly.
the September following a 4th birthday. You must apply for a school place
Who makes the application?
If your child has an Education, Health on-line at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/
The final decision about any request for The person who has parental
and Care Plan (EHCP) in place: schooladmissions before the closing
full year deferral with reception start responsibility should normally submit
date of FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2021.
is for each admission authority. There Your child’s Early Years setting will let the application. If you do not have
is no legal right for this to be agreed. you know that an Annual Review will Why should you apply on-line? parental responsibility, you will need
Decisions about where children are be held in the Autumn Term 2020 to explain why you are completing the
Some of the benefits of applying
placed within any school or academy where a discussion will take place application.
on-line are:
are for individual head teachers and about the primary school places you
governors. wish to consider. They will then consult Q It’s quick and easy to use. If you can’t finish the application,
with those schools and also make Q There is no risk that your application can you go back to it later?
If your child has a special
any amendments to the EHCP. If you will be lost in the post. You have until the closing date to
educational need and does not
have any questions about this, please You will receive an e-mail confirming complete your application. Every time
have an education, health and care Q
contact our SEND team directly at that your application has been you make a change to your on-line
plan (EHCP):
send@blackpool.gov.uk identifying received. application, you should press ‘SUBMIT’.
Not all children with special educational your child’s name, current setting and You will receive an e-mail confirming
Q You can change your application up
needs require an Education, Health and your requirement to start the “Phase the status of your application.
to the closing date.
Care Plan (EHCP). If this is the case, Transfer” process. For children with an
NB. Once you are happy with your
you will need to follow the admissions EHCP the phase transfer process needs When can you use the on-line
application, press ‘submit’ before the
process for mainstream applications to be completed by 15th February 2021. system?
closing date to ensure your application
as outlined in this booklet. This is This system will be available virtually
If you have been asked to complete an is received.
because your child will have their 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There
application form by your Early Years
special educational needs met by may be periods of time during the early If you do not receive an e-mail
SENCO, please answer the question
their mainstream school through the hours of the morning that the system is acknowledgement immediately, please
identifying whether your child currently
graduated response as outlined in the closed due to technical reasons. contact the school admissions team
has an EHCP by checking the “YES”
SEND Code of Practice 2015. Please on 01253 476637, as there may be a
box. The Admissions team and the You will be able to apply on-line from
access the mainstream application form problem with your application.
SEND team will liaise to ensure that this TUESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2020
2 3How to apply for a place at a Blackpool
Primary School
Should you send a paper copy What do you need to apply If you do not receive this, please
as well? on-line? contact the School Admissions Team
PAPER APPLICATION FORM immediately as your application may
You do not need to send a paper You need access to a computer and an
not have been received.
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
application providing you receive an e-mail account. The council offers free
You may apply on a paper application A letter will be posted to you on Friday
e-mail acknowledgement that your computer access at its libraries. Local
form, which is available on request 16 April 2021, confirming your child’s
on-line application has been received. library staff may be able to help you to
from all Blackpool primary schools or allocated school.
set up a free e-mail account.
Important note: if you are applying the School Admissions Team. If you live outside the Blackpool area,
for a voluntary aided primary school, How can you get information please contact your home authority to
Do not complete a paper application
additional information might be about schools on-line? request an application.
form if you have applied on-line.
required to assist the governors of the The School Admissions web page gives A Lancashire County Council
Be sure to return the application application can be requested by
school in deciding whether your child links to school websites and other web before the closing date of of FRIDAY 15 ringing the Pupil Access Team on
qualifies for a place. If a supplementary pages giving information about schools JANUARY 2021. 01524 581148 or writing to the
form needs to be completed, it should (such as the OFSTED site). If you are posting your application, Area Education Office, White Cross
be returned direct to the school before
please allow adequate time for this to Education Centre, Quarry Road,
the closing date. You must still submit be delivered. Lancaster LA1 3SE.
your on-line application. NB. You must only use the
Blackpool on-line application if Even if you have a child already Lancashire County Council also
You may also need to provide the you are resident in Blackpool. attending your preferred school, operates an on-line admissions system
Lancashire County Council also you must apply on time, as a late for residents in the Lancashire areas
school with a copy of your child’s
has an on-line system for people application will reduce your chances www.lancashire.gov.uk.
baptismal certificate.
of obtaining a place for your younger
who live in the Lancashire area. Important note: If you are applying
Please read the school’s admission child at that school
for a voluntary aided primary school,
policy carefully – available from the Where to submit your application additional information might be
individual schools, or their website.
Can I use the on-line system during required to assist the governors
the academic year? If you are applying for a primary school,
of the school in deciding whether
How will you receive notification you must apply to the authority where
The on-line school admissions system your child qualifies for a place. If
you live. If you are unsure, for example
of the allocated school? is only for applying for a school place a supplementary form needs to be
if you live near council boundaries, it is
for a child who is due to start primary completed, it should be returned direct
Blackpool’s online system will go live whichever Local Authority you pay your
(or secondary) school the following to the school before the closing date.
council tax to.
on the morning of Friday 16 April You must still submit your application
September – Reception and Year 7
2021 so you can view your offer. You You can apply for a primary school in any to the School Admissions Team.
starters.
will also receive an e-mail during area, but you must apply to your home
You may also need to provide the
the morning confirming your child’s There is no on-line access for in-year authority
school with a copy of your child’s
allocated school. admissions. Application forms must be returned to: baptismal certificate.
Q School Admissions Team, Please read the school’s admission
Children’s Services Department, policy carefully – this is available from
PO Box 4, Blackpool, FY1 1NA the school, or its website.
You will receive an email confirming
receipt of your application within
14 days. Please ensure your email
address is printed clearly.
4 5IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
WHEN COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION
Authority will allocate a school where
places are available. Timetable for Primary Admissions
Equal Preference Scheme PLEASE NOTE: The Local Authority
will try to offer a place at one of your
Blackpool Council operates an Equal preferred schools, but in some cases Date Action
Preference Scheme, which is mandatory this will not be possible, and a place
across the country. This scheme means will be offered at an alternative school. Tuesday 1 September 2020 Parents can access the on-line application
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
that each school listed on your application or obtain an application pack from
will be considered independently and CO-ORDINATED ADMISSIONS SCHEME Blackpool primary schools or the Schools
fairly against the school’s published All Local Authorities are required to Admissions Team
oversubscription criteria. co-ordinate admission arrangements By Friday 15 January 2021 On-line applications must be submitted
for schools within their area. before midnight. Paper applications must
You have the opportunity to express
three preferences which should be be returned to the School Admissions
You must apply for primary school Team by this date.
listed in priority order. It is strongly
places to your home Local Authority
recommended that you name three
(the authority where you live and Do not wait until the final day to submit
different schools to increase your
pay Council Tax to). You can include your application in case of computer
chances of securing a school that is
acceptable to you. Lancashire primary schools on failure or a delay in postal services.
your Blackpool application - this
During this period, all applications are processed and all preferences are
Do not be tempted to name the same information will be exchanged with
considered against the published admissions policy. The Local Authority will
school two or three times on your Lancashire as part of the process to
liaise and exchange information with all other admission authorities, including
application as this will be considered co-ordinate school admissions.
Lancashire County Council.
as one preference only.
Your home Local Authority will issue the On Friday 16 April 2021 If you have applied on-line, you will
You are advised to consider a nearby offer of one primary school, on behalf receive an e-mail confirming the allocated
school or academy for at least one of all admission authorities who operate school. The on-line system will go live on
of your preferences. It is important within the co-ordinated scheme. the morning of Thursday Friday 16 April
to take into account whether the 2021.
admissions policy means it is likely that Supplementary Forms
a place will be offered for your child. If you have applied on a paper application,
Voluntary aided (Church) schools and the letter will be posted on Friday 16 April
All preferences are circulated between some voluntary aided academies normally 2021. The letter may arrive at various
admission authorities and are require a supplementary form to be times depending on the postal service in
considered equally at the same time. completed. This additional information your area.
Voluntary aided schools are sent all If you are not satisfied with the allocated
is used by the governing board to apply
the details they need in order to apply
their oversubscription criteria. If the school school, you may request an appeal form
their own oversubscription criteria.
is oversubscribed, a failure to complete from the School Admissions Team, or from
Where parents have requested a
the supplementary form may result in the school direct if you are appealing for a
school outside of Blackpool, the details
of the application, together with any voluntary aided school.
the application for a place in the school
supporting information provided by being considered against a lower priority By the end of May 2021 Appeals should be returned in order to
the parent(s), are forwarded to the criteria as the governing board will have be heard in the first round of appeals.
relevant authority. Later appeals can be submitted but will
no information upon which to assess the
not be heard until later in the year
Where a place can be offered at any or worship attendance. You may also need
all of your preferred schools, a place to provide the school with a copy of your June/July 2021 First appeals heard by the Independent
will be allocated at the one that is child’s baptismal certificate. Appeal Panels
highest on your preferred list. September 2021 Pupils start primary school
You must still complete the common
If a place cannot be offered at any application in order for your
of the preferred schools, the Local application to be considered.
6 7Applying For A schools, free from local authority control.
Other freedoms include setting their own How Places Are Allocated For Blackpool
Voluntary Aided pay and conditions for staff, freedoms
concerning the delivery of the curriculum,
Community and Voluntary Controlled
(Faith) Primary and the ability to change the length of Primary Schools and Academies
School/Academy their terms and school days. Academies
have the opportunity to manage their In community schools, the Local OVERSUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA
Most voluntary aided schools/academies own admissions and appeals. However, Authority is the admissions authority,
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
have a faith basis and serve their local the academies in Blackpool (excluding The ‘admission number’ is the number
having responsibility for determining of pupils that the school can admit.
community, therefore, anyone can apply the voluntary aided academies) have
the arrangements for admitting pupils.
for a place. The governing body of a delegated the responsibilities in relation Priority is always given to parental
voluntary aided school/academy decides to allocations, for admission in 2021, Voluntary controlled schools are
preference, however, when there
the policy for allocation of places. The to the Local Authority. You will need to mainly religious or ‘faith’ schools, are more preferences than there
process for applying for a place at a contact an academy to establish its appeal although anyone can apply for a place. are places available, the admission
voluntary aided primary school/academy arrangements. The Local Authority is the admissions authority follows its oversubscription
is similar to applying for a place at a
community or voluntary controlled Free Schools authority, having primary responsibility
for determining the arrangements for
criteria to determine which children
should be allocated a place at that
primary school or academy, except that: Free Schools are non-profit making, school.
admitting pupils.
Q The governing body of a voluntary independent, state-funded schools. Free
aided school/academy is responsible Schools are expected to be open to pupils ACADEMIES NB. The oversubscription criteria are
for determining eligibility for admission. of all abilities from the area and cannot different for voluntary aided schools
The governing board is the admissions
There are specific sections on the be academically selective. Free Schools and certain academies, so it is a good
Q authority. The primary school idea to check the criteria for every
application that must be completed. will need to take part in their local co-
academies in Blackpool (excluding school that you are interested in. You
PARENTS WHO WISH THEIR APPLICATION ordinated admissions process, and so
parents apply for places for their child in the voluntary aided academies), will need to contact individual schools
TO A FAITH SCHOOL TO BE CONSIDERED have delegated the responsibilities in
the same way as any other local school. to get a copy of their admissions policy.
AGAINST THE FAITH CRITERIA SHOULD
relation to allocations for September
ALSO COMPLETE THE SUPPLEMENTARY
FORM IF THIS IS REQUIRED.
Independent Schools 2021 to the Local Authority.
The oversubscription criteria used to
allocate places in community schools
Independent schools set their own You can obtain full policies direct from is detailed below. Certain academies
If the school is oversubscribed, a failure
curriculum and admissions policies. They have chosen to adopt the same criteria
to complete the supplementary form may the schools or their individual website.
are funded through fees paid by parents. but you should confirm this with each
result in the application for a place in the
The School Admissions and Appeals CHILDREN WITH AN EDUCATION,
school being considered against a lower academy.
Codes do not apply to them. If you are
priority criteria as the governing body HEALTH AND CARE PLAN
considering applying for an independent Looked After Children
will have no information upon which to The vast majority of all primary school
school and do not wish your child to be
assess the worship attendance. You may children, including those with special Blackpool Council gives the highest
allocated a school that is maintained by
also need to provide the school with a priority to Looked After Children
the Local Authority or an academy, please educational needs, enjoy a successful
copy of your child’s baptismal certificate. (LAC), as required by the Education
advise in writing which independent education in a mainstream school.
Please note that you must still complete school you are applying for. Please be and Inspections Act 2006 and the
the common application in order for Where a particular school is Education (Admission of LAC) (England)
aware that if you do not apply for a
your application to be considered. maintained school or an academy before additionally resourced or has the Regulations 2006.
Admission policies for voluntary aided the closing date, and your child is not required expertise, then priority for a
A looked after child is a child who is in
schools/academies differ from school to offered a place at an independent school, place at the school is given to children
the care of a local authority or provided
school. It is important that you check the you reduce your chances of obtaining a who have an Education, Health and
with accommodation by that Authority,
admission policy of the school carefully place at a preferred school. If you apply Care Plan that names the school. as defined in Section 22 of the Children
even if you have an older child already for a maintained school or an academy
and an independent school, and are
Act 1989, at the time of application and
attending that school.
fortunate to be offered a place at both, allocation.
Academies please confirm in writing, which school
Under legislation, children who leave
Academies are publicly funded independent place you are accepting.
public care through adoption, a
8 9residence order or special guardianship had to attend an alternative school. The distance between the applicant’s JOINT RESIDENCY AND TRANSPORT
order, will continue to be given the home and school is taken as a straight A child’s residency may on occasion be
same priority although they are no It should be noted that all schools can line between the Local Land and 50/50 between two addresses over a
longer looked after by the state. make provision for special educational Property Gazetteer (LLPG) address point
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
school year. Parents may be required
needs, and can also manage common of the applicant’s home address and of to provide evidence to support this
Also children who were previously in conditions e.g. asthma, epilepsy, the school. The LLPG is a point within information. However, it remains
state care outside of England and have diabetes. the boundary of the property and is that only one address can be used for
ceased to be in state care as they have usually located at its centre. Distances admission purposes. Parents will be
been adopted. These are children who Only exceptional reasons directly
are measured using the council’s given a short time to agree which is
were looked after outside of England relevant to a particular school will
geographic information system. the child’s main address and to confirm
by a public authority, a religious group be considered. Priority will be given
preferences (this must be done quickly
or another provider of care whose sole to the child for the preferred school If the local authority is unable to to allow the admissions process for all
purpose is to benefit society. Parents only if the submitted evidence determine eligibility on distance, i.e. schools to proceed). If agreement is
and carers will be expected to provide unequivocally proves the circumstances two or more addresses are equal not possible the admission authority
evidence of previous looked after and demonstrates why any alternative distance from the school; a random and / or the Council will decide which
status. schools would be unsuitable. allocation will be carried out. In the address will be used. This will consider
event of a random allocation, someone information from third parties. For
Medical/Social/Welfare reasons Siblings independent of the children’s services example - child minders, nurseries,
Children for whom the council accepts Priority will be given to brothers and department and of the school would primary schools electoral and council
that there are exceptional medical, sisters of children already attending the supervise the process, and parents/ tax records as well as child benefit
social or welfare reasons associated school at the time of application and carers would be invited to attend. arrangements (historic and current)
with the child and/or family which allocation (the national statutory offer
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some children live with one parent part
are directly relevant to the school date).
The Local Authority will investigate any of the week and another for the rest.
concerned.
This includes full brothers and sisters, apparent or alleged inaccuracies which Only one address can be used for school
Only exceptional reasons which are half brothers and sisters, step brothers come to light at any time during the admission purposes. This should be where
directly relevant to a particular school and sisters and adopted and foster allocation process. the child lives for most of the school week.
will be considered. If you feel that brothers and sisters who are living If advice is needed, please contact the
there are exceptional medical, social within the same family at the same School places will be withdrawn School Admissions Team (01253 476637).
or welfare reasons associated with address. where they have been offered due to
your child and/or family which support Parents should be aware that
misleading or false information. entitlement to assistance with transport
admission to a particular school you Full brothers and sisters who do not live
at the same address will still be given is assessed separately after the
must indicate that this is the case on
priority as siblings. Half, step, adopted admissions process. You cannot use
your application.
and foster brothers and sisters who do IMPORTANT NOTE: one address to apply for and access a
All applications will be considered but not live at the same address will not be A CHILD’S NURSERY IS NOT preferred school place and then flip to
supporting professional evidence will be classed as siblings. TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION another for transport assessment. This
required to demonstrate exceptional or WHEN ALLOCATING A will not be accepted, even if the child’s
compelling reasons why only a specific PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE pattern of residence changes.
Distance
school can cater for a particular child’s There are certain primary schools There must be very exceptional reasons
Blackpool Council determines the
needs. This must set out the reasons for the other address to be accepted;
distance from the applicant’s home that have a nursery attached, but
and the level of risk to the child or e.g. bereavement, house fire at one
address to the school with the nearest children attending the nursery do
family and why the school in question address, evidenced sale of one address.
to a preferred school having priority for not automatically move into the
is the only suitable school; plus any
a place. primary school.
difficulties which would arise if the child
10 11Additional Information
INFANT CLASS SIZE LIMITS a procedural error made by the Late Applications Admissions Team as soon as you have
admission authority in the original Applications received after the closing details of your new address. If you have
Infant classes (those where the application process; date will be treated as late applications. exchanged contracts or have evidence
majority of children will reach the age
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
d) Children admitted after an Independent Only in exceptional circumstances, and of a confirmed offer of a tenancy, you
of 5, 6, or 7 years during the school
year) must not contain more than 30 appeals panel upholds an appeal; where appropriate evidence is provided, can ask for your child’s application to
pupils with a single qualified teacher. will those applications received after be considered from the new address.
e) Children who move into the area
outside the normal admissions round the closing date (but before offers of If you move after you have applied but
Additional children may be admitted places have been made) be considered before places are allocated, you will
for whom there is no other available
under limited exceptional circumstances. need to contact the School Admissions
school within reasonable distance alongside those received on time.
These children will remain an ‘excepted
(this is extremely unlikely to apply in Team to discuss the situation.
pupil’ for the time they are in an infant If you move into the area after the closing
Blackpool due to the size of town);
class or until the class numbers fall back date, it is possible that your preferred If you move temporarily during the
to the current infant class size limit. The f) Children of UK service personnel schools will be fully allocated. A place admissions process you must also
excepted children are: admitted outside the normal will, therefore, be allocated at the closest contact the School Admissions Team, as
admissions round; (see page 14 on
a) Children admitted outside the normal school with availability. temporary addresses may not always
posting only)
admissions round with an Education, Even if you have a child already at your be accepted for admission purposes.
Health and Care Plan (previously known g) Children whose twin or sibling from
a multiple birth is admitted otherwise preferred school, submitting a late
as a statement of Special Educational Fraudulent Applications
than as an excepted pupil; application will reduce your chances of
Needs) specifying a school; The Local Authority will investigate any
gaining a place at that school
b) Looked After Children and h) Children with special educational apparent or alleged inaccuracies which
previously Looked After Children needs who are normally taught in a Change of Preference come to light at any time during the
admitted outside the normal special educational needs unit attached You can only request a change of allocation process. If it is found that a
admissions round; to the school, or registered at a special preference up until the closing date – child has been allocated a school place
school, who attend some infant classes you must put this in writing by emailing due to misleading information having
c) Children admitted, after initial within the mainstream school.
allocation of places, because of schoolaccess@blackpool.gov.uk. Once been provided, for example an incorrect
an application has been submitted, and address, then the Local Authority will
the closing date has passed, a change of withdraw the offer of the place and an
preference can only be actioned if there alternative school will be allocated.
is a significant change of circumstances,
ie. a house move. Blackpool Council has a statutory duty
to co-ordinate annual admission intakes
You will be unable to access the on- and must ensure a school or academy
line system after the closing date. Any offer for every child.
requests for a change of preference
should be made in writing, but evidence We will share your information
must be provided to demonstrate the with and request information from
reasons for your change. It may not be other admission authorities in order
possible to action any changes after to complete this statutory process
Friday 5 March 2021 including, where required, those in
neighbouring local authority areas and
Moving House the relevant support agencies for your
If you are planning to move house, child / children.
you will need to notify the School
12 13For further information about how finish for the Christmas break). Other areas of the UK) In-Year Fair Access Protocol
Blackpool Council uses your personal It is required that families must be Blackpool Council operates an In-Year
information, including your rights as a Children will be placed on the waiting resident in Blackpool (or nearby) in Fair Access Protocol, which ensures that
lists using the oversubscription criteria.
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Data Subject, please see our website order to apply within the annual intake access to education is secured quickly
Late applicants will be slotted into the process.
www.blackpool.gov.uk/privacy for children who have complex needs.
list according to where they meet the
oversubscription criteria Exceptions will include UK Service and
The Authority will investigate each
application individually by means which
Therefore, a child who moves into the
Crown Servants and British Council Appeal
are most appropriate in the particular
circumstances. The Authority reserves
area later can have a higher priority
employees (as above).
Arrangements
than one who has been on the waiting Families returning to an address in If you are unhappy that you have not
the right to seek information from any list for some time. This is a statutory Blackpool (or nearby) will need to been offered a place at one of your
relevant third party when investigating requirement, stipulated in the School provide evidence of ownership - preferred schools, you have the right to
disputed information. Admissions Code, that all admission whether the address is pre-owned or appeal to an independent appeal panel.
authorities have to follow. not. In addition they must be physically
The relevant address is where the child
resident during the application period Before deciding whether to appeal,
lives and will travel to/from school. NB. Voluntary aided primary schools/ for an application to be accepted. This you may find it helpful to visit the
Addresses of relatives, friends or academies will maintain their own means that the child must be resident school that you have been offered.
childminders must not be used and waiting lists in accordance with the with parents / carers (or a parent or a You may find that this school is an
neither should addresses of any other school’s admissions policy, so you carer). This applies to new to country acceptable alternative option.
properties owned by applicants should contact the school direct to applicants and to those returning from
establish your child’s position on the list. work placements / secondments abroad.
Waiting Lists How to Appeal
Waiting lists for all primary schools will UK Service Personnel The Local Authority will decide Blackpool Community and Voluntary
be set up in the week following the Families of UK service personnel, other whether or not applications can be Controlled Primary Schools
letters being sent to parents. If you Crown Servants and British Council accepted within the process to co-
would like your child to be placed on a employees are subject to frequent ordinate admissions. Where required If you wish to appeal for a Blackpool
waiting list for a community, voluntary movement within the UK and from individual admission authorities will be community or voluntary controlled
controlled school or certain academies, abroad, often at relatively short notice. consulted. school, you should request an appeal
you will need to contact the School pack from the School Admissions Team
Admissions Team. The Local Authority will allocate a ADMISSION TO BLACKPOOL by ringing 01253 476637.
school place in advance, subject to an PRIMARY SCHOOLS AFTER 1st
If a place becomes available, the official government letter (e.g. MOD, SEPTEMBER 2021 Academies
child highest on the waiting list will FCO or GCHQ) declaring a relocation All parents requesting a primary school If you wish to appeal for a Blackpool
be offered the place. This is not date and intended address. A Unit place, either because they are new to academy, it is recommended that you
dependent on whether an appeal has postal address, or, if appropriate, a Blackpool, or because they are wishing contact the School Admissions Team to
been submitted. ‘quartering area’ address (the address to transfer schools within Blackpool, will establish the appeal arrangements.
of the closest house in the nearest be required to complete an appropriate
The School Admissions Team will Voluntary Aided Schools
‘quartering area’), will be accepted on In-Year Application Form, allowing them
maintain the waiting lists for all
applications in the absence of a new to express up to three preferences. The If you wish to appeal for a place in a
community, voluntary controlled
home postal address. admission of all students to Blackpool Blackpool voluntary aided school, you
schools and academies (excluding
schools will be co-ordinated by the should contact the school direct to request
voluntary aided academies), until the
Applications from Abroad (and School Admissions Team. an appeal pack, as a different form is used.
end of the autumn term (when schools
14 15Free Schools hearing, together with information on a) it finds that the admission of there have been irregularities in the
If you wish to appeal for a free school, how the appeal is organised. You will additional children would not breach way your appeal has been handled,
you should contact the school direct to receive at least two weeks notice of the infant class size limit; you can write to:
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
establish its arrangements for appeals. the hearing. A copy of the admission Local Government Ombudsman
b) the admission arrangements had
authority’s case will be sent to you at PO Box 4771 Coventry CV4 0EH
not been properly implemented, ie.
Schools within the Lancashire least one week before the hearing.
the oversubscription criteria had not
Tel: 0300 0610614
County Council area been applied correctly; www.lgo.org.uk
Where will the appeal be heard? E-mail: advice@lgo.org.uk
To request an appeal form, please
Appeals for schools within Blackpool are c) and/or the decision to refuse a
contact: Pupil Access Team, Area The Local Government Ombudsman
normally held in Blackpool Town Hall. place was not one which a reasonable
Education Office, White Cross cannot look at complaints about
admission authority would have made
Education Centre, Quarry Road, academies. You should speak to the
When will the appeal be heard? in the circumstances of the case.
Lancaster LA1 3SE. academy initially about how to complain
Tel: 01524 581148 Appeal hearings take place during the How are you notified of the to them. They will provide you with a
Web: www.lancashire.gov.uk summer term during office hours. decision? copy of their complaints procedure.
Can you submit more than one What happens at the hearing? The appeal panel will come to a The Secretary of State has no power
appeal? You are advised to attend the decision after considering all aspects to review the decisions of individual
hearing if possible. This gives you the of your circumstances as well as appeal panels. You can contact the
There is no restriction on how many
opportunity to state your case, and the difficulties the school would Education Funding Agency if you feel
appeals you can lodge at any one
it also helps the appeal panel should experience through the admission of that the admissions authority has
time. You do not have to wait for
they have any questions for you. If you another pupil. acted unreasonably with regard to the
the decision from one before you
cannot make the date of the appeal A letter notifying you of the panel’s appeals process.
initiate an appeal for another school.
This applies if you wish to appeal for hearing, the appeal may go ahead in decision will be sent to you as soon Complaints about academies should be
a Blackpool community school, an your absence. If you are ill on the day as possible. The clerk to the panel will made by completing the Department
academy or a voluntary aided school of the hearing or are unable to attend advise when you should expect your letter. for Education’s schools complaints
or a Lancashire school/academy. for any other reason, please contact form, which can be accessed via
the Independent School Appeals What happens if your appeal is not
Team on 01253 477157, who will try successful? www.gov.uk/government/publications/
If you are moving house
to arrange a suitable alternative date. The appeal panel’s decision is final complain-about-an-academy
If you are moving house, firm written
Due to statutory timescales, this may and binding on all parties. You cannot
evidence will be required with the or by post to Ministerial and Public
result in a delay in hearing your case. appeal twice for a place at the same
appeal form. The minimum which is Communications Division, Department
school in the same school year unless
normally accepted is a solicitor’s letter for Education, Piccadilly Gate, Store
Infant Class Size Limits the admission authority agrees that
confirming an exchange of contracts. Street, Manchester M1 2WD.
Infant classes (those where the your first appeal was not conducted
How is the appeal arranged? majority of children will reach the age properly or accepts a significant In-Year Appeals
The Independent School Appeals of 5, 6, or 7 years during the school change in your circumstances (this
If you move into the area or want to
Team arranges all appeal hearings for year) must not contain more than 30 must be a change since the original
transfer your child to another school,
pupils with a single qualified teacher. hearing or information which was not
schools in Blackpool. You will receive you also have the right of appeal if a
an acknowledgement of your appeal known at that time).
The powers of an appeal panel are limited place is not available at your preferred
form. A letter will then follow which in these cases, and it may only allow an If you feel that the procedures have school. Appeal hearings take place
gives the date, time and place of your appeal in very extreme circumstances not been followed correctly or that throughout the academic year, every
16 174 – 6 weeks. Your appeal would be foot; by bicycle or by bus. Information Q The nearest suitable school is Education, Health and Care Plans in
scheduled for the next hearing in on local bus routes can be obtained beyond 2 miles (for children over accordance with the criteria outlined
accordance with the deadlines for from Blackpool Transport on 01253 the age of 8 and under 11) in the Home to School and College
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
submitting an appeal form. The 473001, at www.blackpooltransport. Q The school is between 2 and 6 miles Transport policy.
Independent School Appeals Team at com or by downloading the mobile app. (if aged 11-16 years and there are
the Town Hall can provide these dates. not three or more suitable nearer Each child will be assessed individually
It is the responsibility of parents to schools) and a formal application and assessment
Nurseries in ensure that their children get to and
from school at the appropriate time
Q The school is between 2 and 15
miles and is the nearest school
will be based on individual needs.
For any application there must be
Blackpool each day. preferred on the grounds of religion substantive medical evidence in support.
All applications are considered by a
If you would like to apply for a place at a or belief (aged 11-16 years)
What is the criteria? panel of council officers and you will
nursery, you must contact the Manager of
There are certain circumstances when Further information about how the normally be notified of the outcome of
the nursery to request an application form.
Blackpool Council will provide support nearest suitable school is defined for your application within 28days.
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to up to or pay for your child to receive school transport purposes is contained in the
15 hours of free early education, working transport. Full details of the eligibility Home to School and Transport Policy When and how to apply
parents who meet the criteria could be and decision criteria is outlined in the If your child is starting primary or
entitled to an extra 15 hours of free early Home to School and College Transport What support is available? secondary school for the first time in
education for 3 and 4 year olds. Children policy which can be downloaded from Where transport is necessary Blackpool September and you think you may be
are entitled to a free Early Years Provision www.blackpool.gov.uk Council will arrange this in the most entitled to support you should apply
place from the start of term after their cost effective way that is consistent once your child has been offered a
The policy also explains about what with what is reasonable for the child’s school place.
third birthday. Parents are encouraged
action you can take if you feel your individual needs. At the discretion
to discuss their requirements with their
application has not been fairly of Blackpool Council support may be If your child is transferring schools at
preferred childminder, nursery, preschool
considered and wish to make an provided in the following ways: any other time you can apply at the
or school. However, not all settings will
appeal. appropriate time.
be able to meet all requirements.
Q Bus passes for journeys to and
Further information about all pre-school Blackpool Council may provide transport from school on Blackpool Transport Application forms for mainstream and
provision can be obtained by contacting: assistance where a child lives further services Special Educational transport support
away from the nearest suitable school Q Transport on Blackpool Council can be obtained from Blackpool
Blackpool Family Information Service
than the specified walking distance. The vehicles or contractors vehicles Council website www.blackpool.gov.
PO Box 4, Blackpool FY1 1NA
specified walking distance is Q Cycle maintenance grants uk/Residents/Education-and-schools/
Tel: 0800 092 2332 Q Mileage allowances Getting-to-school/School-transport.aspx
Q For a child under the age of eight Support with independent travel
Website: www.fyidirectory.co.uk Q
years: 2 miles training Applications can also be made online or
Email: fis@blackpool.gov.uk
Q For a child aged between eight and telephone 01253 476795/476174 or
School Transport
sixteen: 3 miles email transportdirect@blackpool.gov.uk
Children unable to walk to school
When choosing a preferred school for Blackpool Council may also provide (accompanied if necessary) by
your child you should carefully consider transport assistance where pupils are reason of their special educational
how your child will travel to school. entitled to free school meals or their need, disability or mobility
Where possible you should encourage parents are in receipt of maximum Blackpool Council may provide
your child to travel independently; on working tax credit if: transport assistance for pupils with
18 19Where to get further information
Blackpool Family Information Service School Performance Data The DFE has also produced a booklet Schools Adjudicator
is a free, impartial service offering Performance data is available by ‘Primary and Secondary School To object to an admission
information on a wide range of contacting the school or on Admissions and Appeals: A Guide authority’s admissions processes or
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
services for children, young people www.compare-school-performance. for Parents’. This can be accessed at oversubscription criteria, you may
and their families and professionals service.gov.uk http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/8152/ contact: The Secretary, Office of the
working with families. Schools Adjudicator, Mowden Hall,
DfE Parents’ Centre Advisory Centre for Education
Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL3 9BG.
Blackpool Family Information Service The Advisory Centre for Education
The Department for Education has a Telephone: 01325 735303,
also offers impartial and free advice (ACE) is an organisation that advises
website which can support and advise e-mail:osa.team@osa.gsi.gov.uk
on the admissions process and can be parents on state education. The
parents on a wide range of issues
contacted on 0800 092 2332. website is www.ace-ed.org.uk You can website: www.education.gov.uk/
www.education.gov.uk
also contact them on 0300 0115 142. schoolsadjudicator/
OFSTED Reports
There are a number of links to other
OFSTED Reports are produced by the parents’ organisations and support Legislation
Government’s school inspectors. For groups on this website. School Admissions is based on the
the most recent reports you may Education Act 1996, the School
contact the school or they are available Standards and Framework Act 1998,
at www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports. the Education Act 2002, and the
Education and Inspections Act 2006
(www.legislation.gov.uk).
The School Admissions Code and
School Admissions Appeals Code can
be found on www.gov.uk
20 21Contact information for all
Blackpool Primary Schools
Boundary Primary School Nursery maintained by Local Layton Primary School Breakfast Club
Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool, FY3 7RW Authority Meyler Avenue, Blackpool FY3 7DX After School Club
Tel: 01253 287250 Breakfast Club Tel: 01253 392179
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
APPLY ON-LINE AT www.blackpool.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Email: admin@boundary.blackpool.sch.uk After School Club Email: admin@layton.blackpool.sch.uk
Web: www.boundaryschool.co.uk Web: www.layton.blackpool.sch.uk
Extended Services
Headteacher: Blog: www.laytonblogs.net
Miss Suzanne Ashton
Headteacher: Mr Jonathan Clucas
Boundary Primary School is a mixed community primary school catering for Layton Primary School is a mixed primary school catering for children between
children between the ages of 3 and 11 years, and is located in the Grange Park the ages of 4 and 11 years, and is located in the Layton area, to the east of
area, to the east of Blackpool town centre. Blackpool town centre.
The Admission Number for September 2021 is 60.
The Admission Number for September 2021 is 90.
Kincraig Primary School Nursery maintained by Local
Authority Stanley Primary School *Breakfast Club
and Children’s Centre
Wordsworth Avenue, Blackpool FY3 9UT *After School Club
Kincraig Road, Blackpool FY2 0HN Children’s Centre
Tel: 01253 761022 or 763601
Tel: 01253 354059 *Holiday Club
Breakfast Club Email: admin@stanley.blackpool.sch.uk
Email: admin@kincraig.blackpool.
After School Club Web: www.stanleyprimaryschool.com
sch.uk
Web: www.kincraig.blackpool.sch.uk Co-Headteachers:
Headteacher: Mr Craig England
Headteacher: Mrs Karen Appleby
Stanley Primary School is a mixed primary school catering for children between
Kincraig Primary School is a mixed primary school catering for children between the ages of 4 and 11 years, and is located in the Marton area, to the south east of
the ages of 3 months and 11 years, and is located in the Bispham area, to the Blackpool town centre.
north of Blackpool. There are 8 places for babies and 16 places for 2 year olds in The Admission Number for September 2021 is 90.
the Nursery (8 places in the morning and 8 places in the afternoon).
* The Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club are privately run and
The Admission Number for September 2021 is 30. operated off site at Marton United Reformed Church.
22 23You can also read
