Admissions to Schools Servicewww.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/education

Pembrokeshire County CouncilEducation Services

Admission to schools in Pembrokeshire

Information for Parents

2014-2015

Pembroke DockSt Mary’s RC

Pembroke Dock C.P.Pennar Community School

PembrokeGelli Aur Golden Grove C.P.

Monkton Priory C.P.Pembroke School

Milford HavenHakin C.P.

Milford Haven C.P.J.M.The Meads C.P.I.Hubberston V.C.St Francis R.C.

Milford Haven School

TenbyTenby Infants V.C.Tenby C.P.J.M.St Teilo’s R.C.

Greenhill School

HaverfordwestFenton C.P.

Mount Airey C.P.I.Prendergast C.P.

Ysgol Glan CleddauHaverfordwest J.M.V.C.Mary Immaculate R.C.

St Mark’s V.A.Portfield Special SchoolTasker-Milward School

Sir Thomas Picton

St DavidsYsgol Bro DewiYsgol Dewi Sant

CrymychYsgol y FrenniYsgol Preseli

FishguardYsgol Glannau Gwaun

Holy Name R.C.Ysgol Bro Gwaun

NeylandNeyland Community School

Pupil Referral Service

A message from theDirector forChildren and Schools

1st September 2013

Dear Parent or Guardian

This booklet is intended to help you make important decisions aboutschool for your child. Before you state your preference for the schoolyou would like your child to attend, you need to consider theinformation provided in this booklet and be aware of what you can doand how to proceed.

You may also wish to visit local schools and read their schoolprospectus before deciding which school you would prefer your child toattend.

We try to make sure that pupils get into the school their parentschoose; the great majority are successful. However, this is not alwayspossible and this booklet explains your rights and responsibilities.Please note that admission to a school does not imply that transport toand from that school is provided. You should refer to the relevantinformation on our transport policy.

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Foreword

Once your child has started school I hope that you will give your childevery support throughout his or her school career. The County Councilis keen to see parents actively involved in their child’s learning. Yourchild’s school will be able to tell you how you can assist your child athome. Evidence shows that the children who succeed best at schoolbenefit from good support and understanding from their parents.

This booklet is published annually and is correct at the time ofpublication. I would welcome your suggestions for its improvement.Please complete the feedback form available on our website for thispurpose.

I wish your child every success in the future.

Jake MorganDirector for Children and SchoolsPembrokeshire County Council,County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1TPTel. (01437) 764551 Fax (01437) 775838Website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/education

Further copies of this booklet are available from the County Council'sContact Centre: 01437 764551.

For a copy of this publication in Braille, in larger printor audio tape or an alternative language pleasecontact Pembrokeshire County Council on (01437)776613

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PageMap showing location of Pembrokeshire schools ........................................ inside front coverMessage from the Director for Children and Schools ............................................................ 01Local Charter – Admissions to Schools Service .................................................................... 05Equal opportunities .............................................................................................................. 07

PART 1 – Choosing a school and applying for admissioni) When can my child start school? .............................................................................. 08ii) How do I obtain a school place for my 3 year old child? ............................................ 09iii) How do I choose a school for my child? .................................................................... 10iv) How do I apply for a place for my child? .................................................................... 11v) When should I apply for a place at my preferred school? .......................................... 13vi) Will my child be eligible for school transport? ............................................................ 14vii) Do schools have a limit upon the number of pupils that can be admitted? ................ 14viii) How are school places allocated? ............................................................................ 14ix) How will I be informed of my application for a school place? .................................... 17x) If I miss the published admission deadline, how will my application be dealt with? ..........17xi) Can I apply for a school outside Pembrokeshire? ...................................................... 18xii) What are Families of Schools? .................................................................................. 18xiii) What if I want a Church influenced education for my children? .................................. 19xiv) How do I determine the language category of a school? ............................................ 19

PART 2 – Policies and lawi) At what age does my child legally have to attend school? ........................................ 24ii) How does the County Council meet my parental preference? .................................. 24iii) Are there class size limits in schools? ...................................................................... 25iv) Why do you need to know about parental responsibility for my child? ........................ 25v) Legal/known name/s of children .............................................................................. 26vi) What provision do you make for UK Service Personnel? ............................................ 26vii) What are the rights of children from overseas? ........................................................ 27viii) What are my rights of appeal? .................................................................................. 27ix) Will school meals be available to my child? .............................................................. 28x) How can I find out about free school meals entitlement? .......................................... 30xi) Will my child wear school uniform? .......................................................................... 30xii) What financial assistance might I be eligible for? ...................................................... 31xiii) What public examinations will my child take? ............................................................ 31xiv) Policy on Additional Educational Needs ...................................................................... 31xv) What child protection arrangements are in place? ...................................................... 33xvi) What charges might I have to pay? .......................................................................... 34

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Index

PART 3 – Transfers between schoolsi) What is the procedure if I want to move my child to another school? ........................ 35ii) How do I arrange for my child to transfer to secondary school? ................................ 35

PART 4 – School transporti) Introduction .............................................................................................................. 37ii) Walking distances .................................................................................................... 37iii) Suitable school .......................................................................................................... 38iv) Parental preference for a different school .................................................................. 38v) Nature of transport provision .................................................................................... 38vi) Safe walking routes .................................................................................................. 38vii) Welsh medium schools ............................................................................................ 39viii) Voluntary aided schools ............................................................................................ 39vix) Transport for learners aged 16+ ................................................................................ 39x) Pupils with Special Educational Needs ...................................................................... 40xi) Transport on medical grounds .................................................................................. 41xii) Concessionary travel ................................................................................................ 41xiii) Schools in neighbouring authorities .......................................................................... 42xiv) Change of address .................................................................................................... 42xv) Pupils under compulsory school age ........................................................................ 42xvi) Codes of Conduct ...................................................................................................... 42xvii) Bus passes .............................................................................................................. 43xviii) Pick up points .......................................................................................................... 43xix) Behaviour on school buses ........................................................................................ 43xx) Damage .................................................................................................................... 44xxi) Parental responsibility in relation to transport ............................................................ 44xxii) Financial circumstances ............................................................................................ 44xxiii) Transport appeals .................................................................................................... 45xxiv) Review of transport routes ........................................................................................ 45xxv) Inclement weather .................................................................................................... 45

PART 5 – Term dates and school holidays 2014-15 .................. 46

AppendicesAppendix 1 - Explanation of terminology .......................................................................... 47Appendix 2 - Admission arrangements and oversubscription criteria of

voluntary aided schools .............................................................................. 48Appendix 3 - Home to school/college transport Travel Code ............................................ 58

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Local Charter –Admissions to Schools Service

As at January 2013 there were 70 schools in Pembrokeshire serving9298 full time and 1039 part time primary age pupils, and 7704secondary age pupils. Pembrokeshire County Council is the AdmissionAuthority for community and voluntary controlled schools inPembrokeshire and the Admissions and Planning Places Unit dealswith all schools’ admissions and transfers, except to voluntary aidedschools. The Admission Authority for voluntary aided schools is thegoverning body of the school concerned.

You can expect:

� to receive reliable and impartial advice about schools andexpressing a preference

� to have your application for a school place handled fairly andefficiently

� that the offer of a place will be made in good time (subject to yourapplication being received in time)

� a place in your preferred school, unless there are more applicationsthan the admission number will allow entry. If this occurs, allapplications will be assessed against the oversubscription criteria

� to be informed of the County Council’s policies relating toadmissions and school transport

� to be informed how to receive a school prospectus and how toarrange a school visit and other relevant information relating toschools in Pembrokeshire

� information relating to the right of appeal if you are not allocated aplace at your preferred school

� an open, fair and effective complaints procedure if you are notsatisfied with the services you receive.

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If your child has reached compulsory school age and you are notallocated a place at your preferred school you have the right of appealto an independent appeals panel.

You must submit your appeal in writing. Details of how to appeal willbe included with your letter of notification and are also included in thisbooklet. If you are dissatisfied with the service provided you may makean official complaint. The County Council has a Complaints,Compliments and Comments procedure, available on request.

PLEASE NOTE:The information in this booklet is relevant and accurate at the time ofpublication. Some adjustment of policy, regulation, provision andresources may be necessary for, or during, the academic year 2014/15.

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Equal opportunities

The policies and practices of the County Council relating to theadmission and transfer of pupils and the provision of school transportare not discriminatory and comply with the Equality Act 2010.

Information on the teaching of English and Welsh in Pembrokeshireschools is contained on pages 20-23 of this booklet.

When your child starts school you will be asked to provide informationabout his/her ethnic background. You may choose not to answer thesequestions. Any information that you do provide will be treatedconfidentially and used only to ensure that a good and fair service isprovided to all members of the community.

Pembrokeshire County Council has agreed an Access Strategy for2013-2016 in order to progressively increase accessibility of schools todisabled pupils. This is published on the County Council’s website atwww.pembrokeshire.gov.uk. The County Council provides help andguidance to schools on accessibility matters and, in particular, withregard to their responsibility to prepare a school Access Plan.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly from an equal opportunitiespoint of view in connection with school admissions or transport pleasecontact:Huw Jones, Professional Officer – Planning Places and AdmissionsTel: 01437 775502 Email: Huw.jones@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Children and Schools Directorate, County Hall, Haverfordwest,Pembrokeshire SA61 1TP

Pembrokeshire County Council is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998.

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i) When can my child start school?

In Pembrokeshire, your child can start school at the beginning of theterm following his or her third, fourth or fifth birthday. Please note thatcompulsory education commences at five years of age. The date of yourchild’s birthday determines when he or she can start school, regardlessof the date when the term starts and the table below shows when yourchild may be admitted to school.

Child’s birthday Admission Term1 April - 31 August 2014 Autumn 20141 Sept - 31 Dec 2014 Spring 20151 Jan - 31 March 2015 Summer 20151 April - 31 August 2015 Autumn 2015

Most areas of Pembrokeshire are served by primary schools cateringfor pupils from 3+ to 11 years and children may attend full time at theage of four, or part time at the age of three, at those schools able toadmit three year olds. Where arrangements exist between schools andprivate early years providers, pupils may commence at the schoolsetting at the beginning of the second or third term following a child’sthird birthday. You should contact your preferred school to check onits specific arrangements.

Pupils are admitted to reception classes after the age of four years andare strongly encouraged to attend full time in order to receive the fullbenefits of Foundation Phase education and experiences. The agerange of each school is shown on the schools list which accompaniesthis booklet.

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Part 1 - Choose and apply

ii) How do I obtain a school place for my three year old child?

Every three year old child in Wales is entitled to a free part timeeducational place for a minimum of ten hours per week. This will normallybe available in your catchment area school but if your local school doesnot admit three year old children you can access a free part time place inan Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership approved settingin the non maintained sector, e.g. a private nursery. There is only oneplace available per child. You MUST supply a photocopy of yourchild’s birth certificate when you apply for a part time school place.

Further information about early years’ places in the non maintainedsector may be obtained from:Pembrokeshire Family Information Service (FIS)Flying Start CentreCross Park, Pennar, Pembroke Dock SA72 6SWTel: 01437 775700Email: fis@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Web: www.pembsfamilyinfo.co.uk

The Family Information Service (FIS) is a free, impartial service givingdetailed information on registered childcare provision in Pembrokeshireas well as general information on a wide range of services for childrenaged 0-19 years and their families in the county.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government initiative that aims to give a betterstart in life for children aged 0-3 years. The Flying Start target area forPembrokeshire is Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven,based around the catchment areas of the following schools:

� Pembroke Dock CP School� Pennar CP School� Gelli Aur/Golden Grove CP School (bi-lingual setting)� Monkton Priory CP School� The Meads Infants School

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The project aims to support children and families by providing:� additional health visitors – this will enable health visitors to reduce

their caseloads within the area and provide a wider range of support;� a parenting skills programme on a one to one basis or group basis;� a basic skills programme such as language and play offered at

various settings;� an Information Officer to provide parents with information about

the project;� child care is available through playgroups offering children living

within the Flying Start area free child care at one of the playgroups;this will be available for 2½ hours per day for up to five days perweek for 39 weeks of the year. Working parents can access the freechildcare via their day nursery or childminders. Childminders mayalso be accessed via referral by health visitor.

During 2012 - 2015 the Welsh Government proposes to double thenumber of children in Pembrokeshire that are able to benefit from theFlying Start Programme. As well as extending into the Milford Havenarea, further extension of this provision will take place in targeted areasof Haverfordwest during 2014-15.

iii) How do I choose a school for my child?

Each school in Pembrokeshire serves a defined area, known as itscatchment area. The exception to this is Ysgol y Preseli. As it is thecounty’s designated bilingual secondary school, Ysgol y Preseli effectivelyserves all pupils accessing Welsh medium education in Pembrokeshireprimary schools (see pages 20-23). Details of the area served by eachschool are available at the school, or on the County Council’s website.Most pupils attend the catchment school serving their area, but you mayexpress a preference for a different school. Before doing so, you shouldread the Families of Schools (Page 18) and School Transport (Page 37)sections of this booklet, which consider the educational and transportimplications of your child’s attendance at your preferred school.

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A list of schools accompanies this booklet and is also available on theCounty Council’s website. This shows:

� The age range of each school� The number of pupils on roll� The capacity of the school and resulting admission number� The number of written applications for places at the school� The number of appeals made, and the number that were successful� The school’s language category

If you are considering moving into the north east of Pembrokeshire, youneed to be aware that Welsh is the main medium of life and work inschools in that area.

You are advised to contact the school you are considering in order toobtain a copy of its prospectus and arrange with the relevantheadteacher to visit the school before making your decision.

In addition you may obtain independent information on a school’sperformance by visiting the ESTYN website in order to view the findingsof its most recent inspection report. ESTYN is the office of Her Majesty’sInspectorate for Education and Training in Wales - www.estyn.gov.uk.

iv) How do I apply for a place for my child?

Whether you want your child to attend your catchment area school or adifferent school, you must apply to the Admissions Officer. You mayapply by using the admission application form AD1 which is availablefrom a range of County Council buildings, including your preferredschool; alternatively it can be downloaded from our website.

Application forms for places in community or voluntary controlledschools must be returned to the appropriate school or to theAdmissions Officer by the deadline shown in section 1v below.

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Applications for admission to voluntary aided Church in Wales orCatholic schools should be returned to the headteacher of the relevantschool by the deadline shown in Appendix 2. By law, all applicationsfor admission must be made by means of a completed application form(online or hardcopy). Please note that telling the headteacher of yourpreferred school is insufficient to secure a place and that whilst theapplication form can be returned to the preferred school, theHeadteacher is unable to make a decision on the place offered, unlessyou are applying for a place at a VA school.

You may be asked to provide proof of your address, e.g. in the form ofrecent utility bills, when applying for a school place. In addition, if youare making your first application for a place in a Pembrokeshiremaintained school, you MUST provide a copy of the child’s birthcertificate.

You may express preference for more than one school. The CountyCouncil will allocate places according to the oversubscription criteriashown in section 1viii. You may express a preference for WelshMedium education or for a Church school.

If your child is admitted to part time education at a school, you mustre-apply for a place at the school when your child is ready to move tofull time education. If there are more applications than full time placesavailable, the oversubscription criteria explained in section 1viii will beapplied.

A school place may be withdrawn if a parent gives incorrect orfraudulent information when applying for admission. You may berequired to provide proof of your address in connection with yourapplication for a school place.

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v) When should I apply for a place at my preferred school?

Admission to Part Time Education in January, April and September 2015

Closing date for receipt of preference forms 30th April 2014

Notification of result of applications By end of July 2014

There is no right of appeal on decisions relating to nursery admissions

Admission to Full Time Education in January, April and September 2015

Closing date for receipt of preference forms 30th April 2014

Notification of result of applications By end of July 2014

Closing date for receipt of statutory appeals Within 10 working daysof notification

Right of appeal applies to places for statutory school aged pupils

Transfer to Secondary Education in September 2014

Transfer information issued to parents Before end of AutumnTerm 2013

Closing date for receipt of preference forms 31st January 2014

Notification of result of applications By 31st March 2014

Closing date for receipt of statutory appeals Within 10 working daysof notification

Applications for places in nursery and reception classes can bemade at any time up until the stated closing dates. In order toease the administrative burden of dealing with applications, pleaseconsider making your application at the earliest opportunity andnot to wait until the closing date is imminent. Please note that nopreferential treatment is given to early applications.

vi) Will my child be eligible for school transport?

Not necessarily. The admission of a child to a school does not meanthat free transport is provided. The provision of transport is a separateissue. The County Council does not provide transport for pupils toschools other than to their catchment school or the nearest school, andthen only to eligible pupils. You must bear in mind that you will beresponsible for transport arrangements and costs if your child isadmitted to a school that is not the catchment school or the nearestschool. Part 4 of this booklet explains our Transport Policy fully.

vii) Do schools have a limit upon the number of pupils that can beadmitted?

Yes. All schools have a capacity from which an Admission Number iscalculated. All schools must admit pupils up to their admission number.

The Admission Number will reflect the capacity of the school for eachyear group and your child will be allocated a place at a school unless itis full. If the number of applications to a school is the same as or lessthan the Admission Number, all applicants will be admitted. If thenumber of applications exceeds the Admission Number, all applicationswill be assessed against the over-subscription criteria and placesawarded accordingly.

viii) How are school places allocated?

Pembrokeshire County Council is the Admission Authority for allcommunity and voluntary controlled schools in Pembrokeshire. TheCouncil’s admissions policy and the oversubscription criteria shownbelow apply to all community and voluntary controlled schools inPembrokeshire.

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Children will be admitted to the preferred school when provision andaccommodation allows. If there are more applications for admission tocommunity and voluntary controlled schools than there are placesavailable, the County Council will use the following oversubscriptioncriteria (applied in order) to prioritise applications from parentsexpressing a preference for the school:

Oversubscription Criteria for Community andVoluntary Controlled Schools - in Priority Order

1. Current and former Looked After pupils of authorities in Walesand England in accordance with S.22 of the Children Act 1989.

2. Pupils resident within the catchment area which the school isintended to serve.

3. Pupils attending feeder schools (i.e. infant schools feedingjunior schools or primary schools in the same “family” as asecondary school - see section 1i and the schools list insert).

4. Siblings (pupils with full or half brothers or sisters or childrenliving in the same household) attending the preferred school atthe time of admission.

5. Pupils for whom there is exceptional medical or socialevidence which clearly justifies admission to a particularschool (e.g. letter from a health professional).

Where preferences exceed places available, priority will be givenunder each oversubscription category to multiple birth siblings(e.g. twins or triplets). If the last child to be admitted up to theAdmission Number is one of a multiple birth, then the Authority willalso admit the other sibling(s).

In the case of a tie, places will be offered to pupils living nearest tothe school, measured by the shortest walking distance from thenearest available school gate to the point where the pupil’s privatedwelling meets the public highway.

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The County Council utilises a Geographical Information System (GIS) tocalculate home to school distances in miles. The shortest route iscalculated using Ordnance Survey (OS) data from where the applicant'shome meets the public highway to the point where the nearest schoolentrance meets the public highway. The co-ordinates of an applicant'shome address are determined using OS data and a Property Gazetteer.In the event of any disputed distances, an officer measures thedistance using a vehicle with a calibrated odometer.

It is important that all applications are received by the set dates so theycan be considered together and the oversubscription criteria appliedfairly and equitably in each case. This will also enable any appeals tobe dealt with promptly and allow the decision to be made in good timebefore the child is due to start school. Early applications are not givenpriority - all applications received by the published closing date areconsidered together.

For admissions to schools and for school transport purposes, pupils will bedeemed to live at the address of the parent they have lived with in theprevious year. If the pupil has lived with more than one parent/person with parental responsibility, and has not moved permanently to oneof the two addresses, then the address where the pupil has lived for thegreatest number of school days will be considered as the home address.

Should the County Council be unable to offer a place to a child at theirpreferred school during the normal admission round due tooversubscription, his/her name will be placed on a waiting list until 30thSeptember prior to the start of the relevant academic year. The priorityfor any places which become available will be given according to theabove oversubscription criteria and not according to the date on whichthe application for a place was originally submitted.

See Appendix 2 for the oversubscription criteria for voluntary aided schools.

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ix) How will I be told the outcome of my application for a schoolplace?

You will receive a letter from the County Council’s Admissions Officerwhich will give the outcome of any admission application. Where anapplication is accepted, you are required to confirm if you will/will notbe taking up the place offered. In the event of your application beingrejected, the letter you receive will outline the reasons for such adecision and, if applicable, your right of appeal against the decision.

x) If I miss the published admission deadline, how will myapplication be dealt with?

Late applications for places, i.e. applications received after the closingdate, outlined on page 13, will be considered after all applicationsreceived on time (unless there are exceptional reasons why theapplication is late, which must be explained at the time of application).Applications will be considered on the basis of the oversubscriptioncriteria, having regard to current / prospective pupil numbers at thetime the application is made. This means that if your preferred schoolis oversubscribed, even if you are making an application for your childto attend the catchment school, you may be less likely to be allocated aplace if your application is late.

If you change your mind about your preferred school after submittingyour original application you must inform the Admissions Officer inwriting. If this decision is made after the published closing date, yourapplication for the new preference will then be treated as a lateapplication even if your original application was received on time.

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xi) Can I apply for a school outside Pembrokeshire?

Yes, but in this case, you should apply to the County Council maintainingthe school of your choice. All County Councils produce an informationbooklet for parents and include application criteria and guidelines.If you wish to apply for a school place in one of our neighbouringCounty Council areas, applications should be made as follows:

Carmarthenshire CeredigionDirector of Education & Children’s Services Director of Education & Community ServicesCarmarthenshire County Council Ceredigion County CouncilThe Department for Education and Children, Department of Education & Community ServiceBuilding 2, Canolfan Rheidol,Parc Dewi Sant, Rhodfa Padarn,Jobs Well Road, Llanbadarn Fawr,Carmarthen SA31 3HB Aberystwyth SY23 3UETel: 01267 246500 Tel: 01970 617911

xii) What are families of schools?

Schools in Pembrokeshire work on a ‘family of schools’ basis and thereis close co-operation between them. Each family is made up of asecondary school and the partner or feeder primary schools. The aim ofthe family of schools model is to strengthen links between schools in away that ensures progression, continuity and support for pupils as theymove through the different stages of their education. Children normallytransfer to the link school within the family of schools, but pupils who donot attend their catchment area primary school will be offered a place atthe designated secondary school serving their home address.Some primary schools ‘feed’ more than one secondary school becausetheir catchment areas overlap.

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xiii) What if I want a Church influenced education for my children?

General information about voluntary aided (Church in Wales andCatholic) schools can be obtained from the appropriate DiocesanDirector of Education. Addresses and contact details are as follows:

Church in Wales Catholic ChurchRev Bryan Witt Mr Bernard StuartDiocesan Director of Education Diocesan Director of EducationThe Vicarage Curial OfficeBridge Street 27 Convent StreetSt Clears SwanseaCarmarthen SA1 2BXSA33 4EE Tel: 01792 652757Tel: 01994 230266 Fax: 01792 458641

e-mail: education@menevia.org

Admission to voluntary aided schools is dealt with by the governing bodyof the appropriate school. Applications for places at any of theseschools should be made directly to the school. These schools have theirown oversubscription criteria, details of which are given in Appendix 2.

xiv) How do I determine the language category of a school?

The County Council asserts its belief in the educational value ofacquiring two languages. The aim of this bilingual policy is to educatepupils so that they are thoroughly bilingual in the use of both Welsh andEnglish on leaving the primary school so that they can participate fullyin the bilingual community of which they are a part.

Welsh Medium education is available within Pembrokeshire, either incommunity schools in the traditionally Welsh speaking areas in NorthPembrokeshire, or in the designated Welsh medium school or units inthe Mid and South of the County. The language categories on thefollowing pages define the extent of the teaching of Welsh and Englishin Pembrokeshire schools.

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-16

i) At what age does my child legally have to attend school?

Parents of children between the ages of 5 and 16 must ensure that theirchildren receive suitable full time education. A child reachescompulsory school age at the beginning of the term following his or herfifth birthday. Conversely, all young people are required to remain ineducation until they cease to be of compulsory school age; the schoolleaving date is the last Friday in June in the school year in which a childreaches the age of 16.

ii) How does the County Council meet my parental preference?

The County Council is required by law to make arrangements forparents to express their preference for the school where they wish theirchild to be educated, and provide an opportunity to give reasons fortheir preference before any places are offered. The AdmissionAuthority must meet your preference if it can, but certain factors mayprevent this. These include:

� the efficient use of resources and accommodation

� the efficient provision of education

� statutory class size limits

All schools have an Admission Number, which is used as a guide indeciding whether any year group within a school is full or has placesavailable. If there are more applications than places available then theoversubscription criteria in section 1viii are applied. The AdmissionNumber for each school is shown in the school list included within thisbooklet.

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Part 2 - Policies and law

Parents may express a preference for their child’s education at:� Age 3 – early years classes/units attached to infant or primary schools

(where these are available). Three year olds attend part time only� Age 4-5 – Infants schools or infant departments of primary schools� Age 7 – Junior schools� Age 11 – Secondary education

iii) Are there class size limits in schools?

Yes. The law says that, apart from some very limited exceptions, noinfant class may contain more than 30 pupils being taught by oneteacher. The Welsh Government has also set a target that no juniorclass should exceed 30 pupils.

iv) Why do you need to know about parental responsibility for my child?

Schools need to know who has ‘parental responsibility’ for each child.This is to ensure that proper authority is given when the school needsparental permission. It will also make sure that people with parentalresponsibility who do not live with a child can be provided with schoolreports and given an opportunity to take part in the child’s education,as they are entitled to receive this information unless there is a specificcourt order preventing this.� Mothers always have parental responsibility� Fathers also have parental responsibility for a child if married to the

mother at the time of the child’s birth, even if the child lives apartfrom them (this continues after any divorce/separation/remarriage)

� Unmarried fathers do not have automatic parental responsibility, butmay obtain it by marrying the mother or having their name registeredor re-registered on the birth certificate or through the courts

� Step-parents, relatives and other people can obtain legal parentalresponsibility but they do not have it automatically. You should talkto a solicitor or Citizens’ Advice Bureau if you need to obtainparental responsibility.

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You are asked to co-operate with school staff and the AdmissionsOfficer by providing the school with details of those people withparental responsibility for a pupil. Your child’s school should beinformed of any changes in the arrangements for parental responsibilityor in the day to day care of your child. Any reference to parents withinthis booklet includes anyone having legal parental responsibility.

Where more than one person has parental responsibility for a child, theperson completing the application for a school place must discuss andagree the application with others with parental responsibility, wheretheir whereabouts are known. If the whereabouts of others withparental responsibility are unknown, this should be stated in writing.

v) Legal / known name of child

The legal name of your child is that which is shown on his/her birthcertificate. Please ensure that this is given on all admission and transferapplication forms. Should your child be known by another name, thenthis should also be included on the relevant forms. There are specificprocedures to be followed for changing a child’s legal name, and thiscan be undertaken by Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration. Please takelegal advice before considering this and ensure that your child’s schoolis made aware of any subsequent changes to the child’s legal name byproviding a copy of the relevant documentation.

vi) What provision do you make for UK Service personnel?Families of UK Service personnel and other Crown Servants are subjectto frequent movement within the UK and from abroad, often at relativelyshort notice.As a result, applications for school places for the approaching schoolyear will be considered if accompanied by an official Ministry of Defenceor Foreign and Commonwealth Office letter declaring a return date.School places will then be allocated in advance if the applicant wouldmeet the criteria when they move to their destination.Unit postal addresses for applications from service personnel will alsobe accepted, in the absence of a new home postal address.

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vii) What are the rights of children from overseas?

Children from overseas, who are lawfully resident in the UK, whetherthey are accompanied or unaccompanied by parents, have the samerights to education as British Citizen children. As a result, the CountyCouncil will treat such applications for admission to schools in thesame way. However, the applicant’s passport must be provided toshow evidence of British Citizenship or Legal Residency, and whilst acopy of the relevant ‘Entry Clearance’ is normally acceptable, theCounty Council reserves the right to request sight of the original.

viii) What are my rights of appeal?

If your child is not allocated a place at your preferred school, then analternative school place will be offered. You must decide whether toaccept the alternative place or appeal to an independent Appeal Panel.However, an appeal can only be lodged where your child has reachedthe compulsory school age.

Appeals must be made in writing, setting out the grounds on which it ismade, and sent to the Director for Children and Schools within 14 days(10 working days) of notification of your application for a school placebeing unsuccessful. Appeals will be heard and considered by theAppeals Panel within 30 school days of the specified closing date for thereceipt of appeals, or within 30 school days of the appeal being receivedin writing if the appeal is made outside the timetabled admissionsprocess. Appeals received during the summer holidays will be heardwithin 30 working days. You will have the right to present your case tothe Panel in person. The Panel may allow you to be accompanied by afriend or to be represented; in addition, children are permitted to giveevidence where they wish to do so. The decision of the Appeals Panelis binding on the County Council and on schools’ governing bodies.Please note that admission appeals can only be made for pupils whohave reached compulsory school age.If you are refused a place at a voluntary aided school, the schoolconcerned will advise you of its appeals procedure.

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ix) Will school meals be available to my child?

Yes, school meals are provided by Pembrokeshire County Council’sCatering Team. The menus are nutritionally analysed in line with theAppetite for Life strategy from the Welsh Government to ensure thatthey are providing a third of a child’s daily nutritional and energyrequirements. Children are actively encouraged to try new foods andenjoy their meal in a happy, social atmosphere. Sitting with friendsoften helps fussy eaters try things they won’t at home and helpsdevelop social skills that will be vital in later life.

The service works with suppliers to ensure that all ingredients meet thehighest standard, with no harmful additives. All of our ingredients arepurchased from Welsh based suppliers.

Primary School Meals have their own mascot, Lennie the Leek. Lenniehas a website with all of the information any parents or children willneed about school meals. You can view it atwww.lunchwithlennie.co.uk

There are two menus per year which are displayed in the Lennie theLeek signs at the school. All children are given menu booklets to takehome and discuss with parents. Menus are also available to view onour website www.lunchwithlennie.co.uk

All special dietary requirements, e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, coeliac, milkor nut intolerance can be catered for upon written confirmation from aDoctor or Dietician. A downloadable form and more information aboutspecial dietary requirements can be found in the parents section of theschool meals website www.lunchwithlennie.co.uk

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The current cost of a school meal can be found on the website or askat the school. Payment may be made to school weekly, fortnightly orper term, in advance, by either cheque (made payable to“Pembrokeshire County Council”) or by cash. Payment envelopes areavailable from your child’s school.

Packed lunches are available for all children for school trips; forms areavailable at the school or on the website.

The County Council provides milk free of charge to pupils under theage of 7. Further information is available from your child’s school.

Secondary schools provide a Cash Cafeteria Service. The food iscooked freshly on the premises, there are light snacks on sale at breaktime and healthy snacks are available in vending machines throughoutthe day. Our secondary schools have a healthy vending policy.

A “grab-and-go” pre-ordering system is available in a selection ofsecondary schools, allowing pupils to order their lunch at break timeand pick it up in the fast track queuing lane during the lunch hour.

One of our secondary schools operate a cashless catering systemwhere children are issued with a payment card which is topped up byparents.

For any further information on secondary school meals please look atthe Food Zone section on www.pembrokeshireyouthzone.co.uk

If you have any specific queries about menus at your child’s school orgeneral questions about the school meals service, please contact theCatering Division on 01437 775943.

x) How can I find out about free school meals entitlement?

As a parent or legal guardian, your child could be eligible for free schoolmeals if you receive:� Income Support� Income-based Jobseekers Allowance - Income based only� The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit� Child Tax Credits, with an Annual Household income of under

£16,190 p.a. (please note that Working Tax Credit does not qualifyeven if received in addition to these benefits)

� Income related Employment Support Allowance Only� Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

If you think your child is eligible you are encouraged to complete anapplication form which is available from your child’s school, the CountyCouncil’s Customer Service Centres or may be downloaded from theCouncil’s website. Please be assured that school staff and officers ofthe County Council are available to assist you with the completion ofapplication forms.

xi) Will my child wear school uniform?

Many primary school pupils and all secondary school pupils inPembrokeshire wear a school uniform. Your child’s school will provideyou with details as part of its prospectus.

School Uniform grants towards the cost of secondary school clothing anduniform may be available if parents are in receipt of free school meals orcertain other benefits. School uniform is not compulsory in primary school,and no clothing grants are available for pupils of primary school age.

Further details on the grants available and application forms areavailable by contacting 01437 764551, or by writing to RevenueServices, County Hall, Haverfordwest SA61 1TP.

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- 31 -

xii) What financial assistance might I be eligible for?

If your child stays on at school after statutory school leaving age, he orshe may be eligible for a Welsh Government Education MaintenanceAllowance (EMA). The allowance is means tested and you will need toprovide details of your income. Application forms are available from thesecondary school your child attends or from the EMA Wales website atwww.studentfinancewales.co.uk

Information on accessing financial assistance for secondary schoolclothing and school meals can be found in paragraphs (x) and (xi) ofthis section.

xiii) What public examinations will my child take?

All public examinations arranged for your child comply with legalrequirements and are approved by the Database of ApprovedQualifications in Wales (DAQW).

The decision to enter your child for public examinations is taken by theschool. There is a fee to be paid for each examination and the schoolmeets the cost of this fee when your child is entered for the first time. Ifyour child misses an examination without a valid medical reason thenyou will be liable for the fee. Similarly, you may be liable for thepayment of fees for examination re-sits. However, the school will beable to provide you with further details on these matters.

All schools will provide you with details of their public examinationresults if you ask them.

In addition to the above, and as part of the Wales Government’s driveto improve standards of literacy and numeracy, all learners in years 2 to9 (7-14 year olds) will be required to be assessed annually usingnational reading and mathematics tests.

xiv) What if my child has Additional Learning Needs?

All schools will aim to meet the needs of pupils with a wide range ofadditional needs. Children with additional learning needs may include

children with an educational wide range of needs, children who areLooked After, young carers, minority ethnic children with English orWelsh as an additional language, children in need and children withphysical disabilities. Wherever possible, children with additionallearning needs are educated in the local school, alongside their peersand may benefit from a diverse range of support mechanisms within awhole school approach to inclusion. Schools work closely with theirnamed Governor for additional needs.

It is important that children with additional learning needs are identifiedand assessed early in their school career. For some, this will have beendone before they enter school. Within schools, class teachers have animportant role in helping to identify the additional learning needs of theirpupils and this may often be accomplished using the expertise of stafffrom within the school. Multi-agency support will be determined by thenature of the individual child’s needs.

Specialist teachers and educational psychologists work with schools toassist in identifying and meeting the additional learning needs ofchildren whose needs cannot be met within the school alone. Suchchildren are at a stage in the school's graduated response known asSchool Action Plus. Between them, the teachers and psychologistshave knowledge and experience of educational psychology, specificand general learning difficulties, speech, language and communicationdifficulties, and the management of behaviour. Specialist teachers andsupport staff with qualifications in the areas of visual, hearing, physical.ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and multi-sensory impairment arealso available to work in schools.

Each school has additional money in its budget to help meet the needsof most pupils who have special educational needs, and each schoolhas a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or AdditionalLearning Needs Coordinator (ALNCO) who can provide advice andsupport to school staff and children and liaise with outside agencies.

- 32 -

For the very small minority of pupils with severe and complexeducational needs, a statement of special educational needs may beconsidered. Many of these pupils are educated in mainstream schoolsbut receive additional support or are taught in complex needs units insome of our schools where a more focussed level of support isprovided. Some children with statements of special educational needsattend Portfield Special School and, in the most complex cases, maybe educated in specialist provision outside Pembrokeshire, funded bythe County Council.

If you are concerned that your child may have additional educationalneeds, in the first instance you should talk to the class teacher,headteacher or the school's SENCO or ALNCO. At all stages, dialoguebetween school and parents is essential. You can also contact theCounty Council's additional learning needs and inclusion officers whocan provide information to parents of school age children andpre-school children. They may be contacted on 01437 764551.

xv) What child protection arrangements are in place?

The care and wellbeing of pupils is a principal concern of all schoolsand there are clear All Wales Child Protection Procedures that schoolstaff must follow in order to safeguard and promote the welfare ofchildren. Each school has a named teacher who is responsible fordealing with child protection matters and for dealing with individualcases of suspected abuse. Where abuse is suspected the school isobliged to refer the matter to the Child Care Assessment Team (CCAT)within Social Services for investigation. In order to protect andsafeguard a child it will sometimes be necessary to contact the CCATwithout informing the parents. The school has a statutory duty to act inthe best interests of the child. This is a sensitive area of work and thesupport of parents is important when schools take action to safeguardchildren. Please be assured that school staff are working with thewellbeing of your child firmly in mind.

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xvi) What charges might I have to pay?

During your child’s time at school, the majority of the activities offeredby schools are free of charge. However, there are occasions when youwill be asked to make a contribution towards costs. Informationregarding a school's policy for charges and remissions for schoolactivities can be obtained from the Headteacher of the schoolconcerned.

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i) What is the procedure if I want to move my child to another school?

The Council is prepared to consider requests for transfers betweenschools other than at normal admission times. However, if you areseeking to transfer your child, you must first discuss this with yourchild’s present headteacher, or head of year in secondary school. Youshould also contact the headteacher of the school you wish your childto attend. As term time transfers are discouraged, they are normallymade only at the beginning of a term, except where they arise due to achange of family address. The transfer application form TR1 must becompleted in all cases, and this is available on the County Council'swebsite or on request.

If your request for a transfer is due to concerns about your child’sprogress or there are any problems at your child’s school, you should,as a first step, discuss the matter with the headteacher of the presentschool. Changing schools can be unsettling for pupils and candisturb class organisation. It should be a last resort andconsidered only when all other options for resolving problems havebeen explored. It is usual practice for a Pupil Support Officer todiscuss a transfer application with parents. A booklet ‘ChangingSchools – A Guide for Parents’ provides additional information on thetransfer process and any potential implications. It is available onrequest from the Admissions Officer or your child’s school, or can bedownloaded from the Council's website.

ii) How do I arrange for my child to transfer to secondary school?

Secondary schools in Pembrokeshire offer comprehensive educationfor pupils of all abilities between the ages of 11 and 18. The transferfrom primary to secondary education normally takes places in theSeptember following a child’s eleventh birthday. The headteacher ofyour child’s primary school can give you information regarding the

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Part 3 - Transfers between schools

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secondary school that your child should normally attend. There areeducational benefits in your child attending the secondary school linkedto his or her primary school as part of the ‘family of schools’ (section1xii).

We will send you a secondary school transfer pack via your child’sprimary school towards the end of the Autumn term before your child isdue to go to secondary school. You will be asked to express apreference for a secondary school by the end of the following January.These will be considered in February/March and you will be informed ofthe outcome at the end of March.

The transfer of pupils into secondary education before their eleventhbirthday or staying on at primary school after the age of 11 isconsidered only in exceptional cases and on the recommendation ofthe County Council’s Educational Psychologist. The normal secondarytransfer deadlines and procedures also apply in the case of requests forearly transfer to secondary school.

If there are more applications for places than there are placesavailable the oversubscription criteria in section 1viii will be applied.

You should not assume that attendance at any open day or eveningfor prospective secondary pupils will result in admission or theprovision of transport.

Ysgol y Preseli at Crymych is the designated bilingual secondary schoolin Pembrokeshire. As such, the school is unique in that it serves pupilsbeyond its immediate geographic catchment area, including thosepupils attending Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Cleddau and the Welsh languageunits in South Pembrokeshire. Such provision also extends to otherpupils accessing Welsh medium education in Pembrokeshire schools.Consequently, all Pembrokeshire primary schools offering Welshmedium education are defined as ‘feeder schools’ for Ysgol y Preseli.

Note: This information is correct at time of publication but may be subjectto change as a result of changes in the law or County Council policy.

i) Introduction

There is a statutory duty for Pembrokeshire County Council (as theLocal Authority) to provide pupils of compulsory school age with freetransport to their nearest suitable maintained school if they live over thestatutory walking distance.

Free transport will be provided according to The Learner Travel WalesMeasure - Operational Guidance and Pembrokeshire County Council’sschool transport policy as set out below. These arrangements apply tolearners resident in Pembrokeshire or deemed to be the responsibilityof Pembrokeshire County Council.

ii) Walking distances

The County Council will provide transport :1. where a child of compulsory school age receiving primary

education lives over two miles* from the nearest suitable school;2. where a child of compulsory school age receiving secondary

education, lives over three miles* from the nearest suitable school.

* Measurement of shortest available distance is taken from the pointwhere the private dwelling meets the public highway to the point wherethe nearest school entrance meets the public highway.The Council reserves the right to name as suitable school one which isnot the catchment school.

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Part 4 - School transport

iii) Suitable school

Transport will be provided to the catchment area school which isdesignated by the County Council to serve the pupil’s home address,or to the nearest suitable school as determined by the County Council.

iv) Parental preference for a different school

The County Council will not provide transport or make anycontribution towards transport costs for pupils admitted as a resultof a parental expression of preference for a school which is not thenearest or catchment school. In these circumstances parents areresponsible for making their own transport arrangements and for alltransport costs. You are advised to consider the transportimplications before making an expression of preference for aschool place.

v) Nature of transport provision

Where transport arrangements are the responsibility of the CountyCouncil, in all cases the County Council will decide the mostappropriate type of transport to be provided or whether to provide amileage allowance.

vi) Safe walking routes

The County Council will provide transport where it considers that a pupilcannot walk the nearest available route in reasonable safety whenaccompanied, if need be, by an adult, and if the alternative route is overthe statutory walking distance from the school. In assessing the safetyof an available route, consideration is given to the potential risk createdby traffic, highway and topographical conditions and the availability of afare paying bus service. Each case will be considered on its own merits.

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vii) Welsh medium schools

The County Council will provide transport to secondary Welsh mediumeducation. Transport will only be provided from nominated pick-uppoints for pupils meeting the statutory distance criteria. Given thenature of these routes and the distances involved, it will be parents’responsibility to ensure that pupils come to the nominated pick-uppoints. Those pupils attending Ysgol Glan Cleddau and Welsh units inSouth Pembrokeshire who are resident within the area those schoolsare designated to serve, and schools in the north of the County, will beprovided with transport to Ysgol y Preseli from nominated points ifdistance criteria are met.

Those pupils from the area designated to be served by Ysgol y Preseli(currently the designated secondary bilingual school) whose parents donot wish them to receive a bilingual education will be provided withtransport to the nearest alternative secondary school only; the provisionrelating to nominated pick-up points applies equally in this case.

viii) Voluntary aided schools

Normal catchment area arrangements apply. The County Council willonly provide transport on a concessionary basis to the nearestvoluntary aided school within eight miles of the pupil's home where thepupil lives outside the statutory walking distance and where admissionto the school is on faith grounds as evidenced by a supporting letterfrom the pupil’s local priest/vicar.

ix) Transport for learners aged 16+

The County Council will provide discretionary transport beyond thecompulsory school age where a Pembrokeshire learner resides overthree miles from the nearest school or college where a suitableprogramme of study is available. The learner must be studying full timeand under 19 years of age on 1st September of the academic year inwhich the course is taken. Transport will be provided to the catchment

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area secondary school which is designated by the County Council toserve the learner’s home address, or to the nearest school/college.General education (i.e. A/AS level or GCSE) is normally provided at thecatchment school and transport will not normally be provided forattendance outside the catchment area for these programmes of study.Schools offer a wide range of subjects at age 16+ and learners wishingto pursue general education would normally be expected to select fromthe range available. It is not the practice of the County Council toprovide transport on the basis of individual subject choices. The CountyCouncil has the right to charge for discretionary transport on contractvehicles and may do so in accordance with its transport policy.

x) Pupils with Special Educational Needs

The County Council will provide transport for statemented pupils inaccordance with the following criteria:

� The pupil, because of his or her disability, is incapable of using theusual school transport provided for pupils of compulsory school agereceiving primary education and living more than two miles from thecatchment primary school.

� The pupil, because of his or her disability, is incapable of using theusual school transport provided for pupils of compulsory school agereceiving secondary education and living more than three miles fromthe catchment secondary school.

� The pupil lives within two miles of the catchment primary school, orwithin three miles of the catchment secondary school, but is incapableof walking to school.

� The Inclusion Panel recommends that a pupil should be placed in aschool which is not the catchment school and the above criteria are met.

� Medical advice from the pupil’s medical consultant must confirmthe requirement. No other medical professional’s advice will beaccepted.

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Transport is not provided for special needs pupils in the followingcircumstances:

� where parents choose a non-catchment school� to attend examinations outside the normal transport arrangements� to attend breakfast and after school clubs� to attend swimming lessons except if the child is a wheelchair user

and cannot access swimming lessons otherwise, in which caseEducation Services may pay the parent to transport the child

The County Council may provide an attendant for pupils withstatements of Special Educational Needs who qualify for transportunder the defined criteria. Provision of attendants will take place afterconsideration by relevant officers of the individual needs of the pupil orgroup of pupils concerned and the nature of the transport available andis at the discretion of the Director for Children and Schools.

xi) Transport on medical grounds

The County Council will consider providing short term transport forpupils where a child requires transport on medical grounds at thediscretion of the Director for Children and Schools. Application shouldbe made by letter to the ALN & Inclusion Manager at the addressshown below, together with supporting evidence from the learner’smedical consultant. No other medical professional’s advice will beaccepted.

The ALN & Inclusion Manager, Pembrokeshire County Council,Education Service, County Hall, Haverfordwest SA61 1TP

xii) Concessionary travel

Pupils who are not eligible for free transport may be allowedconcessionary places on contract vehicles, following a writtenapplication to the Director for Children and Schools, if there are spareseats available. Such concessionary places are temporary and tenuous

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and may be withdrawn at any time at the discretion of the CountyCouncil e.g. when seats become unavailable. This could take place atshort notice and responsibility for transport then reverts to parents. TheCounty Council must determine the number of eligible pupils requiringtransport in order to identify whether or not spare places are availableon contract vehicles. Therefore concessionary passes are not issueduntil a few weeks into the school year. The County Council has theright to charge for concessionary places on contract vehicles and maydo so in accordance with its transport policy.

xiii) Schools in neighbouring Local Authority areas

The County Council will provide transport in accordance with the lawand County Council policy in respect of pupils attending schools inneighbouring County Council areas.

xiv) Change of address

The County Council may provide transport for pupils, following a changeof address during the final year of G.C.S.E or A level examinations, inorder to ensure continuity of education. An application must be made tothe Director for Children and Schools. Such provision will not continueinto Years 12 and 13 where pupils move in year 11.

xv) Pupils under compulsory school age

The County Council has no legal responsibility to provide transport forpupils under compulsory school age and does not normally do so.

xvi) Codes of Conduct

The Welsh Government has drawn up Travel Codes for all partiesinvolved with school transport and these give advice and guidance onhow the journey to and from school may be undertaken safely. Theseare published in Appendix 3.

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xvii) Bus passes

A bus pass will be issued to those pupils of secondary school ageentitled to transport, subject to the completion of an 'Application forSchool Transport Bus Pass' form. Passes must be carried daily andmust be available for inspection by County Council Officers orcontractors' personnel. Pupils without a bus pass may be refusedtravel. A charge will be made for a replacement bus pass. Theapplication form for a bus pass is available on request or can bedownloaded from the Council’s website; an online version is alsoavailable for electronic completion and submission. Applicationsshould be completed in full, including signature by the school (exceptonline and for first admission to secondary school), and sent to theDirector for Children and Schools.

In the case of primary school pupils, application for a bus pass must bemade as per secondary pupils in the above paragraph; howeverindividual bus passes will not be issued. Alternatively, a list of pupilnames will be issued to the bus operator identifying those eligible fortransport on each bus route.

xviii) Pick up points

Due to the rural nature of the County it is not always possible to arrangethe routes of vehicles to pass close to the homes of all pupils travelling.Parents may, therefore, be required to make their own arrangements fortheir children to get to and from the nearest pick-up point. Every effort willbe made to keep this distance as short as possible. It is the responsibilityof parents to ensure that pupils are safely escorted to and from the vehicle.

xix) Behaviour on school buses

Pupils whose behaviour during the journey to and from school is not ofan acceptable standard or in compliance with the Code of Conductmay have the agreed travelling arrangements withdrawn and

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responsibility for transport to and from school will then fall on parents.CCTV cameras will be used on certain vehicles to monitor behaviour.The driver will be responsible for the supervision of pupils on thevehicle during the journey to and from school. The driver will report anyincidents of bad behaviour to the County Council and the travellingarrangements may be withdrawn. Smoking is not permitted on vehiclescontracted to the County Council.

xx) Damage

The County Council or Contractors will seek recompense from parentswhere responsibility for wilful damage rests with their children.

xxi) Parental responsibility in relation to transport

Parents have the responsibility for:� getting their child to and from school, where they do not qualify for

transport� applying to the Director for Children and Schools for transport

where their child qualifies� ensuring that their child is ready and waiting for transport at the

appropriate time and place. The safety of the child is theresponsibility of parents before embarking and after disembarkingthe bus. It is the parent’s responsibility to make arrangements fortheir child to meet the transport provided and for their child to beaccompanied to and from the vehicle if required

� ensuring that their child’s behaviour while using school transport issocially acceptable and complies with the approved Travel Codes

� getting their child to and from school where transport has beenwithdrawn due to bad behaviour

� informing the County Council in writing when school transport is nolonger required

xxii) Financial circumstances

The provision of transport is not influenced by parents' financialcircumstances.

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xxiii) Transport Appeals

In the case of a dispute relating to the implementation andinterpretation of the home to school transport policy, an appeal shouldbe made to the Director for Children and Schools.

xxiv) Review of transport routes

The County Council will review routes and transport provision on aregular basis in order to improve efficiency. Route changes may beimplemented during the course of an academic year.

xxv) Inclement weather

In cases of inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, theremay be temporary alterations to the transport provided. In somecircumstances it may not be possible to operate a route at all or to serveonly part of a route. If a school/college route does not operate in themorning, due to inclement weather, but you choose to take yourchild(ren) to school yourself, then you will be required to makearrangements to collect your child(ren) at the end of the school day.

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5. Term dates and school holidays - 2014-15

Half-term No.Term Begin school

Begin End End days

Autumn Tuesday Monday Friday Friday2014 2 Sept 2014 27 Oct 2014 31 Oct 2014 19 Dec 2014 74

Spring Monday Monday Friday Friday2015 5 Jan 2015 16 Feb 2015 20 Feb 2015 27 March 2015 55

Summer Tuesday Monday Friday Monday2015 14 April 2015 25 May 2015 29 May 2015 20 July 2015 64

Directed teachers' Monday 1st Sept 2014 &closure days Monday 13th April 2015 2

Total 195

NOTES

i) Monday, 1st September 2014 and Monday 13th April 2015 will bedesignated staff training closure days for all maintained schools inPembrokeshire. A further three staff training closure days will be taken atthe discretion of each individual school. From time to time additionalclosure days may be agreed for specific purposes. The school will adviseyou of these.

ii) All schools will be closed on Monday 4th May 2015 for the May Day BankHoliday.

iii) Good Friday and Easter Monday fall on 3rd April and 6th April 2015respectively.

This calendar is subject to any change that may arise as a result of servicerequirements or government policy. Whilst such changes are unusual, youshould note that Pembrokeshire County Council does not accept liability forany losses incurred in respect of altered holiday arrangements following suchchanges.

Part 5 - Terms and holidays

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Academic YearSchool year commencing 1st September and ending the following 31st August.

Admission NumberThe maximum number of pupils to be admitted to the school in a particular year group.

Catchment AreaThe geographical area intended to be served by the school, which in the case of Ysgol y Preseliis the whole of the County as the designated bilingual secondary school.

Comprehensive SchoolSchools which cater for pupils of all abilities between the ages of 11 and 18. PembrokeshireCounty Council maintains 8 comprehensive schools.

Compulsory School AgeThe law requires that pupils between the ages of 5 and 16 receive full time educationappropriate to their age, ability and aptitude.

County CouncilThis is the local government body responsible for the organisation and maintenance of theeducation services. In Pembrokeshire this responsibility falls on Pembrokeshire County Council.The Local Authority undertakes a range of statutory functions.

CurriculumAll the activities and opportunities for learning provided by a school.

Maintained SchoolA school funded and maintained by Pembrokeshire County Council (as the Local Authority).

Non-maintained or Independent SchoolA school not funded or maintained by the County Council.

Sibling- a half or full brother or sister- children living in the same household

Voluntary Aided (VA) (Church in Wales or Catholic) SchoolA maintained school that was set up by a voluntary body (usually the Church in Wales or theCatholic Church). Aided schools control their own admissions and Religious Education syllabusand employ their own staff.

Voluntary Controlled (VC) SchoolThis is a maintained school in which Religious Education is provided according to theAuthority’s agreed syllabus. Some denominational instruction maybe offered.

Explanation ofterminologyAppendix 1

St. Marks VA School, Merlin’s Bridge

Admissions to the school is the responsibility of the Governing Body and applications should bemade in writing to the Headteacher.

The Admission Number for the school is 24 and where the number of applications does notexceed this number, then all applicants will be admitted. Should there be more than the abovenumber of applications received for a single year group, pupils will be admitted on the basis ofthe following oversubscription criteria, applied in priority order:

1. Looked After Children.2. Siblings of children already in the school.3. Children residing within the community of Merlins Bridge.4. Children of practising members of the Church in Wales (application to be supported by a

statement from their Parish Priest).5. Children of parents of other denominations who wish their child to have a church school

education (application to be supported by a statement from their Faith Leader).6. Children of parents of other faiths who wish their child to have an Anglican Church school

education.7. Children of parents who wish their child to attend St. Mark’s School.

In the event of a tie, places will be offered to pupils living nearest to the school, measured bythe shortest walking distance from the nearest available school gate to a point where thepupil’s private dwelling meets the public highway.

Parents whose application for admission is unsuccessful have the right to appeal against thedecision not to admit. This appeal should be in writing and sent to the Headteacher. Theappeal will be heard by an independent Appeal Panel, established by the Diocese, whosedecision will be binding on all parties. Please view the section entitled “What are my rights ofappeal?” for additional information.

St Marks VA School operates a waiting list for parents where it is unable to offer a place duringthe normal admission round due to oversubscription. The terms applied to waiting lists are asper those of the County Council, and as described in the section entitled “How are schoolplaces allocated?”

Applications for places received after the published closing date, will be considered by theschool after all those applications received on time. Applications will be considered on thebasis of the above oversubscription criteria, and having regard to current/prospective pupilnumbers. The right to appeal also applies to late applications.

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Admission arrangements andoversubscription criteria forvoluntary aided schools

Appendix 2

Ysgol Bro Dewi, St Davids

Admission to the school is the responsibility of the Governing Body and applications should bemade to the Headteacher.

The Admission Number for the school is 21 and where the number of applications does notexceed this number, then all applicants will be admitted. Should there be more than the abovenumber of applications received for a single year group, pupils will be admitted on the basis ofthe following oversubscription criteria, applied in priority order:

1. Looked After children.2. Children who reside in the school’s catchment area.3. Children who have brothers and sisters already attending the school at the time of

admission. (To include half brothers and sisters, and children living in the same household).4. Children of Christian denominations living outside the catchment area of the school whose

parents specifically wish them to have a church school education. (With a supporting letterfrom their priest or minister).

In the event of a tie, places will be offered to pupils, who live nearest the school, measured bythe shortest walking distance from the nearest available school gate to a point where thepupil’s private dwelling meets the highway.

Parents whose application for admission is unsuccessful have the right to appeal against thedecision not to admit. This appeal should be in writing and sent to the Headteacher. The appealwill be heard by an independent Appeal Panel, whose decision will be binding on all parties.Please view the section entitled “What are my rights of appeal?” for additional information.

Ysgol Bro Dewi operates a waiting list for parents where it is unable to offer a place during thenormal admission round due to oversubscription. The terms applied to waiting lists are as thoseof the County Council, and as described in the section entitled “How are school places allocated?”

Applications for places received after the published closing date, will be considered by theschool after all those applications received on time. Applications will be considered on thebasis of the above oversubscription criteria, and having regard to current/prospective pupilnumbers. The right to appeal also applies to late applications.

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St Oswalds VA School, JeffreystonAdmission to the school is the responsibility of the Governing Body and applications should bemade to the Headteacher.

The Admission Number for the school is 17 and where the number of applications does notexceed this number, then all applicants will be admitted. Should there be more than the abovenumber of applications received for a single year group, pupils will be admitted on the basis ofthe following oversubscription criteria, applied in priority order:a) Looked After children who are communicants of the Anglican faithb) Children who are Looked Afterc) Children with brothers or sisters at the school at the date of the proposed admissiond) Children who live in the catchment area of the schoole) Children from families living outside the catchment area who are regular communicants at

an Anglican Church within the catchment areaf) Children from families living outside the catchment area who are regular communicants at

an Anglican Churchg) Children from families of other Christian denominations from outside the catchment area

whose parents wish them to be educated in an Anglican Church schoolh) Children from families outside the catchment area who are not active Christian worshippers

but whose parents wish them to be educated in an Anglican Church school

In the event of a tie, places will be offered to pupils living nearest to the school, measured bythe shortest walking distance from the nearest available school gate to a point where thepupil’s private dwelling meets the public highway.

Parents whose application for admission is unsuccessful have the right to appeal against thedecision not to admit. This appeal should be in writing and sent to the Headteacher. Theappeal will be heard by an independent Appeal Panel, whose decision will be binding on allparties. Please view the section entitled “What are my rights of appeal?” for additionalinformation.

St Oswalds VA School operates a waiting list for parents where it is unable to offer a placeduring the normal admission round due to oversubscription. The terms applied to waiting listsare as per those of the County Council, and as described in the section entitled “How areschool places allocated?”

Applications for places received after the published closing date, will be considered by theschool after all those applications received on time. Applications will be considered on thebasis of the above oversubscription criteria, and having regard to current/prospective pupilnumbers. The right to appeal also applies to late applications.

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St Aidans VA School, Wiston

The Admissions Authority for this school is the Governing Body. The admissions policy isreviewed annually.Our admission policy has been developed to ensure a consistent and fair system for admittingpupils to our school, especially if spaces are likely to be limited due to reaching the admissionnumber of 21.St Aidan’s V.A. School is a Church in Wales’ school which essentially serves the community withinthe parishes of Llawhaden, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Slebech and Wiston and theadmissions policy reflects this in its prioritised list of criteria.In the event of oversubscription, priority will be given to the admission of pupils in the following order:1. Any children identified on the Looked After Children register2. Children from the parishes of Llawhaden, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Slebech and Wiston.3. Siblings of children attending the school at the time of admission, including half siblings.4. Children of Anglican parents wishing their children to have an Anglican education.*5. Children of parents of other Christian denominations wishing their children to have an

Anglican education.*6. In the event of a tie, places will be offered to pupils living nearest to the school, measured by

the shortest distance from the nearest available school gate to a point where the pupil’sprivate dwelling meets the public highway.

*Priorities 4 and 5 must be supported by a letter from a vicar/priest/minister.

The normal age for admission to school in Pembrokeshire, in a school like St Aidan’s withoutnursery provision, is the start of the term following the child’s fourth birthday.For the purposes of school admission, term starting dates are 1st January, 1st April and 1stSeptember. Compulsory education however does not have to begin until the term following achild’s fifth birthday.

On admission to the school the children are entered into the Admission Register. Their details,along with any information provided by the parents, are included on computer records that aresubject to data protection regulations.

If the entry is refused then parents have the right of one appeal to an independent body that theGoverning Body would set up. (Note – this body will be independent of the school and GoverningBody and whose decision will be binding on all parties.) The appeal needs to be made in writingto the Headteacher.

The Admissions Authority will show regard for the general principle that pupils are to be educatedin accordance with the wishes of their parents, unless to admit that child would prejudice theprovision of efficient education.

Applications for a place at St Aidan’s V.A. School should be made in writing to the Headteacher.An application form is available from the school. The closing date for applications is 30th Aprilpreceding the calendar year in which the school place is required.

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Holy Name Catholic School, Fishguard

Holy Name is a Catholic Primary School situated in the Diocese of Menevia and is maintainedby the Pembrokeshire Local Education Authority.The Governing Body is responsible for determining the policy relating to admission of pupils tothe school. It is guided in that responsibility by:a) the requirement of the law.b) the advice of the Diocesan Trustees on the nature and purpose of its duties and in

fulfillment of its Trust Deed and Instrument of Government.c) its duty towards the school and Catholic community it serves.d) the Catholic character of the school and its Mission Statement.

The ethos of this school is Catholic. The school was founded by the Catholic Church to provideeducation for children of Catholic families. We ask all parents applying for a place here tosupport and respect this ethos, its importance to the school community and the education itprovides. This does not affect the right of parents who are not of the faith of this school to applyfor and be considered for a place here.

The School’s Admission Number for the school year beginning in September 2014 is 18. If thenumber of applications exceeds the admission number, the governors will give priority toapplications in accordance with the criteria listed provided that the governors are made awareof that application before decisions on admissions are made.

Applications for a place in the school must be made on the School Admission Application formand returned to the school no later than the 30th of April in the year preceding admission.The Governing Body has delegated responsibility for determining admissions to its AdmissionsCommittee, which will consider all applications at the same time and after the closing date foradmissions, made in accordance with the criteria set out.

If an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents canappeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This appeal must be sent in writing to the clerk to theGovernors at the school within 14 days (10 working days) of refusal. Parents must give reasonsfor appealing in writing and the decision of the appeals panel is binding on the Governors.

Over- subscription CriteriaWhere the number of applications exceeds the number of places available the Governing Bodywill apply the following over - subscription criteria in priority order.

1. All baptised Catholic children living in the school’s catchment area.2. All children baptised in the Orthodox Church living in the school’s catchment area.3. Applicants with siblings on roll in the intake year who are baptised Catholics.4. Applicants with siblings on roll in the intake year who are not Catholics.5. Catholic pupils from outside the catchment area.6. Children from other Christian denominations.7. Children whose parents desire a Catholic education.

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All schools have a duty to admit children with a Statement of Education Needs where theschool is named in the statement.

In all of the above categories Looked After Children (LAC) will be given priority.In event of any over-subscription in the number of applications made under any of thecategories above then the Admissions Committee will offer places first to children livingnearest to the school by the shortest walking distance using public highways from the child’sfront door to the main entrance of the school.

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St Mary’s Catholic School, Pembroke Dock

Admissions to the school are the responsibility of the Governing Body and applications shouldbe made to the Headteacher

The Admission number for the school is 16 and where the number of applications does notexceed this number, then all applicants will be admitted. Should there be more than the abovenumber of applications received for a single year group, pupils will be admitted on the basis ofthe following oversubscription criteria, applied in priority order:

1. Looked After Catholic children2. The baptised Catholic children of parents who are parishioners of St. Mary’s, Pembroke

Dock and St. Joseph’s, Pembroke3. The baptised Catholic children of parents who are parishioners of parishes adjoining those

listed above or who have moved to the area4. Looked After non-Catholic children5. Non-Catholic children with brothers or sisters already in the school6. Christians from other denominations7. Others who wish for a Christian education for their child

In the event of a tie, places will be offered to pupils living nearest to the school, measured bythe shortest walking distance from the nearest available school gate to a point where thepupil’s private dwelling meets the public highway.

Parents whose application for admission is unsuccessful have the right to appeal against thedecision not to admit. This appeal should be in writing and forwarded to the Chair of theAppeal Committee at the school. The appeal will be heard by an independent Appeal Panelestablished by the Diocesan Office, whose decision will be binding on all parties. Please viewthe section entitled “What are my rights of appeal?” for additional information.

St Mary’s Catholic School operates a waiting list for parents where it is unable to offer a placeduring the normal admission round due to oversubscription. The terms applied to waiting listsare as per those of the County Council, and as described in the section entitled “How areschool places allocated?”Applications for places received after the published closing date, will be considered by theschool after all those applications received on time. Applications will be considered on thebasis of the above oversubscription criteria, and having regard to current/prospective pupilnumbers. The right to appeal also applies to late applications.

In all cases, the Governors must be satisfied that the religious and moral atmosphere of theschool is of prime importance to those making the application and that the efficient use ofresources will not be impeded by additional admissions.

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St Teilo’s Catholic Primary SchoolAdmission to the school is the responsibility of the Governing Body and applications should bemade to the Headteacher.The Admission Number for the school is 15 and where the number of applications does notexceed this number, then all applicants will be admitted. Should there be more than the abovenumber of applications received for a single year group, pupils will be admitted on the basis ofthe following oversubscription criteria, applied in priority order:

1. Baptised Catholic ‘Looked After’ children, in the care of a local authority, within the parishesserved by the school.

2. Looked After Children who are in the care of a local authority (children in care) or providedwith accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents)

3. Baptised Catholic children whose families are residing in the Parish of Holyrood and St.Teilo.4. Other Baptised Catholic children. Confirmation of Baptism will be required.5. Baptised Catholic children with a brother or sister at the school at the time of likely admission.6. Children of other Christian Denominations.7. Non-Catholic children who have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission.8. Children of other faiths whose parents seek Catholic schooling.9. Non-Catholic children whose parents seek Catholic education for their child.10. Children for whom the LEA has specifically asked for a place at the school.

In the event of a tie, places will be offered to pupils who live nearest to the school. The distancewill be measured from the front door of the reception entrance to the front door of the house orflat of the applicant. In the case of a child whose parents have joint shared responsibility theparent who has the greatest responsibility during the school week and whose residence isnearer the school will be the determining factor. A letter from the parents will have to beprovided to confirm that fact.

Parents whose application for admission is unsuccessful have the right to appeal against thedecision not to admit. This appeal should be in writing and sent to the Headteacher. The appealwill be heard by an independent Appeal Panel, whose decision will be binding on all parties.Please view the section entitled “What are my rights of appeal?” for additional information.

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Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Haverfordwest

Admission to the school is the responsibility of the Governing Body and applications should bemade to the Headteacher. A full version of these Admission Arrangements will be sent by theschool when a prospectus and application form is requested.

The Admission Number for the school is 29 and where the number of applications does notexceed this number, then all applicants will be admitted. In the event of oversubscription, thegovernors will admit children in the following categories and in the priority listed. In each ofthe categories below, priority will be given to Looked After children Confirmation ofBaptism (Baptism certificates) from the parish will be required for categories 1 to 5.

1. Baptised Catholic children who are Looked After within the county.2. The baptised Catholic children of parents who are parishioners of St. David’s and St.

Patrick’s Haverfordwest and Immaculate Conception, Narberth.3. The baptised Catholic children of parents who are parishioners of parishes adjoining those

listed above or who have moved to the area.4. Children whose parents are active and practising members of Churches Together in Wales

(Cytun) and reside in the areas referred to in category 2. Priority will not be given toapplications in this category unless an accompanying letter from the current minister isprovided confirming Baptism or an accompanying statement of affiliation or referencesigned by the minister or church’s representative confirming membership of the church.

5. Children who have a medical or social need. A letter will be required from a doctor or healthprofessional providing supporting evidence to accompany the application. This supportingevidence must set out the particular reasons why Mary Immaculate is the most suitableschool and the difficulties caused if the child had to attend another school. Priority will notbe given unless there is supporting evidence.

6. Children who are not Baptised but have siblings in the school.

In the event of a tie breaker being required in any of the categories above, the governors willadmit those applicants who live nearest the school. In the case of a child whose parents havejoint/shared responsibility the parent who has the greater responsibility during the school weekand whose residence is nearer the school will be the determining factor. The governors willuse the shortest walking route calculated using Ordnance Survey customised route data fromthe front door of the school to the front door of the house or flat of the applicant. Wherenecessary, the governors will request assistance from the County Council to determine theshortest route.

Parents whose application for admission is unsuccessful have the right to appeal against thedecision not to admit. This appeal should be in writing and sent to the Headteacher. The appealwill be heard by an independent Appeal Panel established by the Diocesan Office, and whosedecision will be binding on all parties. Please view the school’s full Admission Arrangementsfor additional information.

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Mary Immaculate Catholic School operates a waiting list for parents where it is unable to offera place during the normal admission round due to oversubscription. The terms applied towaiting lists are as per those of the County Council, and as described in the section entitled“How are school places allocated?”

Applications for places received after the published closing date, will be considered by theschool after all those applications received on time. Applications will be considered on thebasis of the above oversubscription criteria, and having regard to current/prospective pupilnumbers. The right to appeal also applies to late applications.

The full version of the admission arrangements is available from the school.

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St Francis Catholic School, Milford Haven

1. St Francis is a Catholic Primary School situated in the Diocese of Menevia and ismaintained by Pembrokeshire Local Authority.

2. The Governing Body is responsible for determining and administrating the policy relating toadmission of pupils to the school. It is guided in that responsibility by:a) the requirement of the lawb) the advice of the Diocesan Trustees on the nature and purpose of its duties and infulfillment of its Trust Deed and Instrument of Governmentc) its duty towards the school and Catholic community it servesd) the Catholic character of the school and its Mission statement:The ethos of the school is Catholic. The school was founded by the Catholic Church toprovide education for children of Catholic families. We ask all parents applying for a placehere to support and respect this ethos, its importance to the school community and theeducation it provides. This does not affect the right of parents who are not of the faith ofthis school to apply for and be considered for a place here.The school’s admission number year beginning September 2014 is 27.If the number of applications exceeds the admission number, the governors will give priorityto applications in accordance with the criteria listed provided that the governors are madeaware of that application before decisions on admissions are made. If there isoversubscription within a category, the governors will give priority to children living closestto the school determined by the shortest distance.

3. The school serves in the first instance Baptised Catholic children living in the parish of StFrancis of Assisi, Milford Haven.

4. Applications for a place in the school must be made on the admissions form and returnedto the school no later than April 30th 2014.

5. The governing body has delegated responsibility for determining admissions to itsAdmissions Committee, which will consider all applications at the same time and after theclosing date for admissions, made in accordance with the criteria set out overleaf.

6. Pupils who are admitted to the school will enter the Reception Class in September 2014.7. If an application for admission has been turned down by the Governing Body, parents can

appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. This appeal must be sent in writing to the clerk tothe Governors at the school within 14 days (10 working days) of refusal.

Admissions CriteriaWhere the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, the Governing bodywill apply the following over-subscription criteria in priority order:1. Baptised Catholic Looked After children, in the care of the Local Authority, within the

parishes served by the school.2. Baptised Catholic children within the parishes served by the school.3. Other baptised Catholic children.

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4. Looked After children who are in the care of the Local Authority (children in care) orprovided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents).

5. Children who have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission.6. Children of other Christian denominations.7. Children of other faiths whose parents seek a Catholic education.8. Non-Catholic children whose parents seek Catholic education for their child.9. Children for whom the County Council has specifically asked for a place at the school.

• In the event of any over-subscription, the number of applications made under any of thecategories above then the Admissions Committee will offer places first to children livingnearest to the school by the shortest walking distance using public highways. All Christianapplicants will be required to produce baptismal certificates.

• Parents must give reasons for appealing in writing and the decision of the Appeals Panel isbinding on the Governors.

• If the school is named in a statement of Special Educational Needs, the Governing body hasa duty to admit the child to the school.

• As required by law, the Governing Body will not admit more than 30 pupils to any oneReception of Foundation Phase class.

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Welsh Government’sTravel Code andSchool Bus Travel Code

Appendix 3

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