Online Admissions to Primary and Secondary Schools - Starting in September 2011 for Admission in 2012

As part of our annual consultation I mentioned that we would be moving towards a default online application system for admission in September 2012. There were no comments received from the consultation and I need to begin to make the arrangements for the transition to an online system.  Almost 60% of parents used the online system last year and it has become the preferred method of applying. The bullet points are these:

•  We will not send any paper forms in the application packs. They will be available on request from the CSC or CSC would take a phone application.

•  We will only send one printed copy of 'Going to School in Lincolnshire ' to each school for reference as all our publications are available online. We will send parents a copy on request but this will be a photocopy from the online version. The number of copies requested recently has been very small.

•  We will still send all parents the small Guide but it will generic and cover starting school, transferring to secondary and infant to junior transfers. We will also send the Transport Booklet for secondary transfers and transport leaflet for parents seeking a reception or junior place.

•  We are redeveloping our web page and we plan to make improvements to the online application system.

•  Our covering letter to parents will emphasise the online application system and I will suggest that they can contact the primary school as well as the CSC for any help.

Can Schools Help

•  Could you add a link to your school web site to the school admission web site www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions this is also where parents can use our system to apply online.

•  We are asking all schools to help in this transition by making their computers and expertise available to parents who are having difficulties, for example ethnic minority parents or those who may not have access to a computer. In other local authorities primary schools have held morning and afternoon sessions for parents and I hope that you feel this is something you can do.  In secondary schools 6th form students have helped parents use the school computers at the open evenings.

Once the admission round opens you may wish to write to any parents with siblings at your school, attached playgroup, private nursery, etc to offer help.  For example you may wish to put your own note in the application pack if you can offer your help. The online system is available to you and your staff, so that you can gain experience before advising parents. Log onto https://aspapps.lincolnshire.gov.uk/schoolad_registration.asp after half term but please be aware that we have asked for some small changes to be made before we go live in September so it will not be exactly the same. The secondary round opens on 9 September 2011 and the primary round on 14 November 2011.

Parents who do not have a computer can still apply online via the school computers. The system asks for an email contact and if your staff enter schooladmissions@lincolnshire.gov.uk as the email we will know that this means the parents want a paper offer sent out. Alternatively these parents can phone the CSC 01522 782030 to make a phone application or request a paper application pack. If you are having any problems while helping a parent you can also phone the CSC for advice.

We will also offer training to administrators when we offer our annual training session on co-ordinated admission arrangements.

Secondary schools may choose to make their computers available at open evenings. Although the test system will be open the system for parents will not open until September and parents cannot apply until then.

If you need any advice about the contents of this letter please do not hesitate to phone the School Admission Team on 01522 553243.