Parents and carers with children starting school for the first time next September (2017), can attend an information session covering key aspects of the admissions process.

Organised by Nottinghamshire County Council, the session will be held on Thursday, November 3, from 1.30 – 2.30pm at Mansfield Library, West Gate in Mansfield.

The session is designed to help parents make best use of the information available to them when applying for school places.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s acting service director for education Marion Clay said: “If your child will be five years old between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018, you will soon need to think about applying for a reception year place and deciding which schools to include on your application.

“We want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision which will give you the best chance of getting your child into your preferred school.

“This advice includes the importance of applying on time, using all four of your preferences; and ensuring that at least one of your preferences is for a school where your child will has a higher priority in the admission oversubscription criteria and therefore a good chance of getting a place.”

Parents will be able to apply for a school place for their child between 7 November 2016 and 15 January 2017.

“And if you already have a child at primary school or have had one or more children go through the primary school system previously, we’re keen to ensure that you’re armed with the latest information you need to bear in mind to give your child the best chance of getting into the school you’d like them to go to,” added Mrs Clay.

“The good news, however, is that last year over 97% of families who applied for a primary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools.”

Places are limited, so parents and carers are advised to register now at: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions or call 0300 500 80 80.

The Council’s website www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissions has information to help with the application process, and it is worth reading Admissions to schools: Guide for parents 2017-2018 www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/admissionsguide