Using this guide

If you are a parent wanting a place for your child in a Derbyshire primary, infant or junior school the information contained in this guide explains how you can apply for a primary school place for your child.

Even if you have already approached a school or feel you have put your child's name down at a school – that is not a formal application. A formal application can only be made by following the process explained in this guide.

We invite you to state preferences for one, two or three schools and give your reasons.

You can apply online (opens in a new window). It's quick and it's free.

Or you can apply by phone. Ring Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. The call centre is open between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm. An average three­ minute call costs 10p for BT customers. Charges from other suppliers may vary.

You may prefer to fill in the paper application form that came with this guide. You can fill in your preferences and hand the form in to a Derbyshire primary school. Or post it to:

The Admissions and Appeals Team
Children and Younger Adults
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3AG

How does it work?

The form included in your pack is the only application form you should complete to apply for a school place.

You fill in one application form only, no matter how many schools you want to apply for. There is no need to fill out a separate form for each school. Only make one application online, by phone or paper – not one of each.

Derbyshire County Council acts as a clearing house for admitting all pupils to Derbyshire primary, infant and junior schools.

Transfer from infant to junior school

When children are due to leave infant school and need to move to a different school for their junior education, parents must make an application.

The application form for infant to junior transfer has been pre-printed with some of your child's details and, if applicable, your normal area school.

A place in a particular infant school does not guarantee a place at the associated junior school. Similarly, a place at a particular junior or primary school does not guarantee a place at a particular secondary school except in the Eckington area.

Application forms for a place in junior school will be distributed via Derbyshire infant schools in the week beginning 2 November 2009.

The closing date for parents to return forms is 3.30pm on 11 December 2009. Applications are needed from all parents, including those who want their child to attend their normal area school.

Supplementary Forms

Some voluntary aided and foundation schools may want you to fill in other paperwork in addition to an application you make to us. This is called a supplementary form.

Look at the school's prospectus to see if this is the case. This is so that they can apply their own admission criteria. For example, they might want proof of your address or proof that your child has been baptised.

Supplementary forms are available from the relevant school and also from us. Any additional paperwork of that type should be returned to the school by the closing date.

This supplementary paperwork is not instead of our application form. You will still need to make an application to us.

You must have your application in to a Derbyshire primary school or to the Admissions and Appeals Team by 3.30pm on Friday 11 December 2009.

Special Educational Needs

If your child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs you should not fill in an application form as his or her admission is dealt with through the statement. You should contact the Special Needs Section on 01629 536531.