Schools’ P1 enrolment and placing requests to go online in Fife

Parents in Fife enrolling their children for primary school or applying to a school outside their catchment area may soon be able to do so online.

Us u a l l y parents or carers of youngsters moving into P1 must attend a face- to- face appointment at their school to apply for a place.

Owing to C o v i d -1 9 restrictions it is proposed the process will be done remotely for the 2021-22 academic year but, if successful, the system will continue for future years.

It will also be used for those applying for a place at a school which is not their local one, commonly known as making a placing request.

Fife Council’s policy and co-ordination committee will be asked to approve the n ew process on Thursday.

Shelagh McLean, head of education and children’s services, said face-to-face contact was being kept to a minimum during the pandemic to reduce the risk of infection for school staff, pupils and parents.

She said: “Parents and carers will be able to access the new system on their smart phone, personal computer or tablet and the step-bystep online form is quick and easy.

“They will also be able to upload photographs of documents to help the education service verify details.

“Any parents- carers who don’t have their own smartphone or personal computer can use the PCs in their local library.

“Alternatively, we can still email or post out a form and documents can still be verified by arranging a sociallydistanced appointment.”

After enrolments for the coming school year a review will be conducted and, if the online system is found to be effective and efficient, it may be adopted permanently.

De tails of the new system, including a link to access it, will be made available by the council in the new year.

P1 enrolment is conducted from January to April.

COVID-19: The process is being done remotely.