School Admissions

School Admissions Procedure

Silver Tree Primary School and Nursery has an admissions limit of 7 pupils per class from Reception to Year 6.

All parents must apply directly to the Local Authority under the new Co-ordinated Admissions Procedures for admission into the Reception Class and any in-year transfers from Local Authority Schools.

Any parent who wishes to apply for a school place can call (0191) 383 4576 or apply to:-

School Admissions Children & Young People’s Services
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UJ

We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We would ask parents to discuss the identified needs with the school prior to starting so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure the school can meet any needs appropriately.

Children will usually attend the nearest appropriate school for their home address. However, some parents may wish their children to attend a different school. County Durham try to comply with parental requests wherever space is available in the requested school.

In summary the Admissions Criteria is:

• Children in Public Care
• Medical Reasons: Pupils with very exceptional factors directly related to school placement. Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a doctor
• Family Links: Pupils who have a sibling already attending the preferred school
• Distance: Pupils who live nearest the preferred school, measured by the shortest walking distance

Waiting Lists

If Hamsterley Primary School is full parents/carers may ask the Admissions Department at County Hall, Durham to add their child’s name to the waiting list. Names can be added to the waiting list at any time. When pupil numbers fall below the admission limit, children will be admitted from the list according to the priority order set out in the published criteria and not the length of time on the waiting list. Vacancies may arise at short notice and families on the waiting list should be prepared to take up a place as soon as it arises.

Appeals

If it has not been possible for Hamsterley Primary School to offer a family a place for their child then the parents/carers have the right to appeal against the decision of the Authority

Full details of the admission arrangements can be found in the Primary and Secondary Admissions brochure produced by Durham County Council and further information can be found in the school Admissions Policy and the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy and Equality Policy that can be found in the School Policies section of our website.

Visit the Durham County Council website for information regarding the school admission process and primary school admissions. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School admissions-appeals.

Applying for a school place if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan or a Statement of SEN

Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (or Statement of Special Education Needs) follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school.  Please continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form, as part of the admission process to a new school.  You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs.  The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting.

Hamsterley Primary School prides itself in being very inclusive and will endeavour to support every child.

If you have any questions about the SEND Local Offer or the School’s SEND Information Report please contact the school and we will try our best to help you.