Week-long window to sign your child up to school

Parents and carers are being reminded that applications for places in East Renfrewshire primary schools will take place from Monday, January 15, until Friday, January 19 between 1.45pm and 3.30pm.

Guardians of children who will be five-years-old between March 2018 and February 2019 should contact their local denominational or non- denominational school directly.

Bosses say it is important that an application is made to register children at their catchment area school in the first instance, even if parents plan to make a placing request or to defer the place for another year.

People should apply to register their child at the local catchment school even if they will be educated privately.

Families who are applying for a place at a Roman Catholic school in the area are required to produce a baptismal certificate in case the school is oversubscribed due to high demand in its catchment. This is only considered should places require to be prioritised.

Documents are required to be brought along for the application process, including the child’s birth certificate; current council tax notice; Roman Catholic baptismal certificate, if applicable; mortgage statement or rental agreement for a period of at least one year; and a child benefit statement. A driving licence, utility bill or bank statement can also be accepted if no longer in receipt of child benefit.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, convener for Education and Equalities at East Renfrewshire Council, said: “This is an important time of the year for parents and carers to apply for their child’s place at schools across East Renfrewshire.

“Our schools are amongst the best in Scotland and it is exciting for the next generation of pupils to join us.

“This is a busy time for our staff, therefore, it is important to remember all of the necessary documentation when you are attending the school to ensure there are no delays in the application process.

“We look forward to another successful P1 allocation period and welcoming some of our youngest residents starting their education journey with us.”

Once all applications for pupils wishing to register at their local catchment school have been received and processed, parents will receive written confirmation in March advising of their child’s place.