(Dumfries & Galloway Regional Policy, more information see http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1445)

The official enrolment date for children about to enter school for the first time will be advertised in the local press six months before the commencement date. Pupils may be enrolled at any time after the official enrolment date, but late applications may lose priority.

Please note that attendance at a particular nursery does not give a child the automatic right to attend that school if the child does not live in the catchment area for that school.

If a child is under the school entry age a parent may decide that they wish to send their child to primary school earlier and this is called early entry. If you think your child should start primary school at a younger age than is usual, you should contact your local school to discuss this.

Placing Requests

Parents have the right to request a place for their child in a school of their own choosing even if they live outwith the catchment area and, assuming there is space, this request will usually be granted.

You can only apply for one school for your child at a time. If you put more than one school on the placing request form, we will process the placing request for the first named school. However, if your first placing request is unsuccessful you may submit another placing request for another school.

Even if you are trying to place your child at another school, you should still enrol your child in the local school as there is no guarantee that your placing request will be successful and your local school needs to take account of your child in their numbers.

If your placing request is refused your child's name will automatically go onto a waiting list. Your child's name will remain on the waiting list until the end of the school year that you applied for. After this time you will have to submit another placing request for the new school year.

If you move out of the catchment area, your child can still remain at the school they are currently attending. However, parents/guardians must request permission for the child/children to remain there and they will be responsible for transporting the child/children to and from school.

Appeals

A parent/guardian may appeal against the refusal of a placement request at a primary or secondary school for which they apply.

If you wish to challenge the Council's refusal of your placing request, you must do so in writing no later than 28 days from the date which you received the Council's letter of refusal. The Council must then set up an appeal committee to consider your request for a place in the school.

Contact Details