North Somerset school news

SCHOOL DATES FOR 2014-15 

Term dates for the 2014-15 school year are now under review and parents, carers, teachers and support staff, governors and head teachers -  in fact, anyone who has an interest in our children's education is being urged to 'get vocal, be heard' and  have their say. 

North Somerset Council's school organisation manager, Tony Pearle, said: "This is a yearly process and in agreeing dates to consult on, we try and agree dates with our neighbouring authorities of Bristol. Bath and North East Somerset. South Gloucestershire and Somerset to ensure consistency and continuity throughout the area. 

"This takes account of families who may live in one authority's area but have children attending a school in another's area." 

Proposed dates for 2014-15 are:

Monday, September 1 to Friday, October 24

Half term

Monday, November 3, to Friday, December 19

Christmas holidays

Monday, January 5, to Friday, February 13

Half term

Monday, February 23 to Friday, March 27

Easter holidays

Monday, April 13 to Friday, May 22

Half term

Monday, June 1, to Monday, July 20, (with final Monday of term as an INSET day) 

Summer holidays

Anyone who wants to contribute to the consultation can send their views to Tony Pearle, school organisation manager, North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ, email him at school.organisation@n-somerset.gov.uk or take part in the on-line consultation which can be found at http://consult.n-somerset.gov.uk

The closing date for the consultation is Friday, December 14. 

TIME TO APPLY FOR SCHOOL PLACES 

Now is the time to apply for school places if your child is due to start school or transfer to a junior or secondary school next year.

Children currently in their final Year 6 of primary or junior school are due to transfer to a secondary school in September 2013. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday, October 31.

Children born between September 1 2008 and August 31 2009 can start at a primary or infant/first school from September 2013. 

Parents can apply now and the closing date for submitting applications is midnight on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. 

It's very important parents apply by the closing date otherwise they may not be considered in the first round of allocations.

Late applicants have less chance of being offered their preferred school.

Parents can name up to three preferences and may apply for schools both within and outside North Somerset. 

Apply online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/admissions. 

Paper applications are available from the school admissions and transport team, North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ. 

Telephone 01275 884078 or e-mail schooladmissionsandtransport@n-somerset.gov.uk.