Last chance to have your say on schools admissions policy

The changes are designed to create a level playing field for parents looking for a lower or primary school place for their children.

Currently 16 of Central Bedfordshire’s community and voluntary controlled schools prioritise admissions for children attending certain nurseries or pre-schools.

They include Dunton VC Lower School, Everton Lower and Wrestlingworth Lower, along with Aspley Guise Lower, Dovery Down Lower, Dunstable Icknield Lower, Greenleas School Derwent Road, Hockliffe Lower, Lancot Primary, Linslade Lower, Ramsey Manor Lower, Silsoe VC Lower, Studham VC Lower, Thomas Johnson Lower and Thornhill Primary.

As a result of recent national guidance published by the Chief Schools Adjudicator, the council’s proposal would mean that they are no long be able to do this.

The consultation on the proposed changes closes on Monday, January 19, and parents are being urged to have their say before then.

If they are approved by the council’s Executive on Tuesday, March 31, they will come into effect for the 2016/17 academic year.

Councillor Mark Versallion, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “We have some excellent schools across Central Bedfordshire and we want to make sure that all local children have the same chance of attending them regardless of childcare decisions their parents make prior to compulsory school age.

“I would encourage all parents of children who could be affected by these proposed changes to have their say. Feedback is very important to us, and all views will be carefully considered before we make any decisions.”

To have your say on the consultation, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultation

Meanwhile, parents have just over a week to apply for a place for children who will be starting school this year.

Applications for school places for children born between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011 close on Thursday, January 15, and any received after that date will not be taken into account until all the on-time applications have been considered.

For more information and to apply, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/admissions