Starting School at Hertford Vale CE Primary School  – What Parents Need to Know

At Hertford Vale Primary School, we’re excited to welcome children as they begin their school journey. Before applying to join our school we encourage all parents, carers and children to visit to see the unique and special provision we have on offer.

 

 

When Can My Child Start School?

By law, children must be in full-time education from the term after their fifth birthday. At Hertford Vale, we offer early admissions, which means your child can start in our Reception class at the beginning of the school year in which they turn five. We also offer non-statutory places for children from the age of three, and can support you in applying for funded hours for this. 

 

Can I Delay My Child’s Start?

Yes – as a parent or carer, you can ask to delay your child’s school start. However, please keep in mind:

  • Children must start school no later than the term after they turn five.

  • If you delay your child’s start until the next school year (for example, if they have an August birthday), you may lose your child’s guaranteed place.

  • Any request to delay must be discussed with the Headteacher, so we can make sure your child’s needs are fully considered.

  •  

What About Older Children Joining the School?

Children joining us later on will be placed in the year group that matches their age, based on the national curriculum.

 

Children with Special Educational Needs

We warmly welcome children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). We work closely with families to make sure the right support is in place, following national guidance for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

 

If you have any questions or would like to talk about your child’s start at school, please get in touch with the school office – we’re here to help!

image

  • Allocation of places.

     

     

    🔷 Criterion (i) – Places will first be given to children who are looked after by the local authority.

  • 🔷 Criterion (ii) – Places will next be given to children who live in the school’s designated catchment area.

  • 🔷 Criterion (iii) – Places will next be given to children who have a sibling attending the school in Reception or Years 1 to 5.

  • 🔷 Criterion (iv) â€“ Places will next be given to those children who live closest to the school. The distance from the child’s home to the school will be measured and priority will be given to those living nearest to the school.

 

The allocation of places at Hertford Vale CE Primary School is decided by the local authority and all applications should be made to them by telephoning the North Yorkshire Admissions Team on 01609 533679. Prior to making an application parents/carers are very welcome to have a look around the school during the school day. This can be arranged by making an appointment with the school office staff.

Presently our admission number in Reception is 15. The local authority has a coordinated scheme with set criterion for allocating places if the number applying exceeds this number.

A waiting list is maintained by the local authority with children prioritised according to the criteria set out above. They also administer the appeal arrangements which are heard by independent admission appeal panels. Children who are not allocated a place at Hertford Vale CE Primary School are entitled to an appeal in-line with current legislation.

 

For further information on North Yorkshire Council's admission and appeal arrangements please click here.