Admission to School - Information for Parents 2024-2025

SECTION A - Admissions to Carmarthenshire School

Key Facts

• There is no automatic right to a place at a school.
• You must make an application to an admissions authority for your child to be admitted to a school.
• There are limits on the number of pupils who can be admitted to a school in any one year. Once that limit is reached no further pupils will be admitted.
• If you have a child with additional learning needs then you are advised to contact the headteacher of the school or the departments pupil progress officers before applying.
• Apply by the deadline dates – see Admissions Timetable.
• If you make an application after these dates your application will be treated as being late and will be considered after those received before the deadline. This will reduce the chances of obtaining a place for your child at a school of your choice.
• If you are offered a place for your child you must accept the place by the date specified or the offer of a place will be withdrawn and the place offered to another pupil.

1. Admissions Authorities

The admission of children to school is controlled by an admission authority.

Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools in Carmarthenshire

In the case of community schools and Voluntary Controlled schools within Carmarthenshire, the Admission Authority is Carmarthenshire Local Authority (LA). The contact details for Carmarthenshire County Council are as follows:-
Department for Education and Children
County Hall
Carmarthen
SA31 1JP
Tel: 01267 246449
E-mail: admissions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Normal admissions arrangements for the academic year 2024 - 25

Detailed in this part of the document is Carmarthenshire’s procedures outlining the Normal (usual) point of admission to Nursery, Primary, Secondary and sixth form arrangements for the academic year.

Key Points - For Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools.

• By law Parents/Guardians must make an application to the Authority for a place.
• Closing dates for applications are set in the Admissions Schedule of Events Timetable detailed at the end of this document.
• Applications must be made by the deadlines
• There is no automatic transfer from a Nursery to Primary School.
• There is no automatic transfer from a Primary to Secondary School.
• Applications received after the deadlines are unlikely to get a preferred school place.
• There are specific Oversubscription Criteria used when allocating a school place.
• The nursery and primary school a pupil attends is not taken into account when allocating places. It is the home address which is taken into account when considering admission to a school.
• It is not possible for any person or school to guarantee, in advance, a place for a child at a school. Any such comments or assurances must be disregarded.
• An email or letter will be sent from the Authority advising if the application has been successful or refused.
• A child cannot start at a school until the parent/guardian has confirmed the place with the Authority.

When to apply

Admissions Application Timetable Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools - Schedule of Events

Early Applications

Please note that early applications cannot be used as a criterion for giving priority in allocating places. All applications received up to the closing date are treated equally.

Late Applications

Applications received after the application closing deadline will not be considered until those received before the deadline have been awarded. Applications received after the closing date are less likely to be awarded a place at the preferred school parents applied for.

At what age can children start school?

Early Years – 3 Year Old Provision

What is Early Years?

Early Years education is a non-statutory provision available to 3 year olds and an application for admission to provision within a school, i.e. for categories (i) and (ii) below, will have to be made to the Admissions Authority by the closing date - See Admission Application Timetable.

Where is part-time education available?

All 3 year olds are entitled to 10 hours per week free placement, at a registered setting, through the Early Entitlement Group from the term following their third birthday. Wherever practical the Authority allows non-maintained providers to use school premises.

There are various forms of provision:-

(i)Nursery School - Ammanford Nursery School is the only nursery school in the County.
(ii)Nursery/Early Years classes in Infant or Primary Schools (3-11 age schools)
(iii)Provision by the non-maintained sector who are partners in the Early Entitlement Group, such as Early Years Wales, Mudiad Meithrin (MM) and private providers. Find more information under the Carmarthenshire Family Information Service in this booklet.

When can a pupil start part-time education?

Children will normally be admitted to Early Years provision in schools where it is available on a part-time basis at the beginning of the term following their third birthday.

There is no automatic right to continue into full time education if you have been offered a part-time education place. A formal application must be made to the correct admissions authority – see admissions time table.

Should there be more applications than places available then the Authority will prioritise applications in accordance with its over-subscription criteria detailed in this document.

Full time Education – 4 & 5 Year Olds

Where there is no early years provision in a maintained setting, children are, following approval of application, admitted on a full-time basis at the following times:-

By law parents must arrange for their children to receive full-time education at the beginning of the following terms:-

Admission to secondary schools including sixth form

Key Facts:

• There is no automatic transfer from a primary to secondary school.
• By law you must make an application to the Admissions Authority for a place.
• Deadline for submitting an application is the 20 December 2023.
• It is the home address which is taken into account when considering admission to a secondary school and not the primary school attended.
• It is not possible for any person or organisation to guarantee, in advance, a place for a child at a school. Any such comments or assurances must be disregarded.
• You will need to receive a letter or email from the Admissions Authority advising you if your application has been successful or refused.
• A child can not start at a secondary school until the parent/guardian has confirmed the place with the Admissions Authority.
• Read the Transport to school policy before making your final choice of school.

Primary school children are required to start at a secondary school in the September following their 11th birthday.

It is a requirement that a parent/guardian must complete an on-line application for these pupils by the prescribed closing date as set in the admissions Schedule of Events Timetable.

Any applications received after the prescribed closing date will not be considered until those received before the deadline date have been allocated places. These will be considered as Late Applications as detailed in this document.

Should there be more applications than places available then the Authority will prioritise applications in accordance with its over-subscription criteria detailed in this document.

The primary school which the pupil is attending is not a factor which is taken into account when allocating places.

Application forms must be completed online by the prescribed closing date.

If the form is not submitted by the deadline then the chances of getting a place at the preferred school is diminished as is the possibility of free transport to school.

It is our intention to issue decision letters in respect of these applications received by the deadline by the offer date set in the admissions Schedule of Events Timetable.

As part of the application process, parents of children in their last year in primary schools will receive an information pack from the Authority. It is important that you complete the online form by the deadline date as those applications will be considered first for any places available. Any applications received after the deadline date will not be considered until those received before the deadline date have been allocated places. Whilst it does not guarantee a place at a school the admission criteria gives a higher priority to pupils who reside within the designated catchment area of a secondary school. The primary school which the pupil is attending is not therefore a factor which is taken into account.

Please follow the guidance provided, complete the online form accordingly and read the section in this booklet relating to parental preference and school transport to ensure you understand your obligations in such circumstances.

Forms must be completed and submitted by 20 December 2023. If the form is not submitted by the closing date then the chances of getting a place at the preferred school is diminished. It is our intention to issue decision letters in respect of these applications on 1 March, 2024, or the next working day. Parents of children who wish their child to be admitted to a secondary school at a time other than the usual primary to secondary year 7 admissions should, in the first instance, contact and discuss the matter with the Headteacher of the school who will also be able to give advice in relation to applying for admission. Alternatively, advice may be sought from the School Admissions staff at the Department for Education and Children.

Sixth Form Admission

Arrangements for admission to Sixth Form Community Schools should be discussed with the individual school prior to submitting an application for admission.

Choosing a school – Catchment areas

Key Facts:

• Every school has a designated catchment area which it serves.
• If the pupil resides within the designated catchment area of a school then you will stand a better chance of the application for admission to the school being successful. There is, however, no guarantee of a place.
• Pupils who reside within the catchment area of a school will, subject to age and distance criteria, stand a better chance of qualifying for free transport to and from school – see transport policy.
• Where a parent chooses a school which is not the nearest or catchment area school, then the parent will be responsible for transporting the child to and from school.
• Parents can state a preference for a school, which is not the designated catchment area school. Subject to the limit on the number of pupils who can be admitted into the school not being exceeded and the correct procedures being followed, then admission will be granted.
• When a pupil moves from primary to the secondary school, consideration of eligibility for admission to that school and also for free home to school transport will be based on home address and not the primary school attended.

Local / Catchment Area School

The Authority has identified a designated geographical area which the school serves which is referred to as the school’s catchment area. Details of a school’s catchment area are available at the school, on the County Authority’s website or available from the relevant Admissions Authority.

Whilst living in a school’s catchment area does not guarantee admission to the school it is an important factor as it will give the application a higher priority than those who live outside the catchment area and is also important as it is one of the key criteria in assessing eligibility for assistance with home to school transport.

Details of the home to school transport policy are provided in this document. Prior to making an application for admission to a school the Authority strongly recommends that you contact, discuss and visit your local school so that you are aware of the facilities and opportunities they are able to offer.

Find your local/ catchment area

Parental Preference

As indicated, the Authority advises that the first point of contact in making a choice of school would be the local designated catchment area school.

Whilst, in practice, most parents send their child to their local catchment area school, parents have a right to state a preference for different schools. If you wish to do so it is recommended that you contact the school you are considering before making a final choice.

Where you choose a school which is not your designated catchment area school or the nearest school to your home there are some practical issues which you need to consider fully prior to making a decision.

These issues will not apply in many instances but as they have caused diffculties for parents in the past it is recommended that you consider and have planned for such eventualities before making your final choice of primary school.

The Admissions Authority and school governors will lawfully comply with any preference for a particular school which is expressed. As with all applications a preference for a particular school will need to be considered and assessed as part of the admission process to ensure that the Authority does not exceed the limit for admission of pupils to that school for the relevant year group.

The term used in this document when referring to the number which limits the number of pupils who can be admitted to a particular year group in a school is the admission number or AN. The admission number (AN) for each school is provided in the schedule of schools which forms part of this booklet.

Parental Preference - Twice Excluded Pupils

If a pupil has already been permanently excluded from two or more schools then, whilst a parent may express a preference for a school at which they wish their child to be educated, the Admission Authority does not have to comply with that preference for a period of two years from the date of the latest exclusion.

This does not apply to students with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN), children below compulsory school age, children who have been re-instated, or who would have been re-instated had it been practical to do so, or looked-after children where the application for admission is made by the corporate parent.

Meeting Additional / Special Educational Needs

Some children have additional or special educational needs and or a disability that require extra provision to be made for them to be able to learn electivity. In these instances please refer to the Additional Educational Needs section of this booklet.

Additional Learning Needs

Home Education

Parents may also choose to educate their own children at home. This is known as Elective Home Education. The decision to home educate requires careful thought, as it represents a considerable undertaking in terms of commitment, time and cost.

If you are considering this option, then you are advised to contact the local authority, and seek guidance from the Elective Home Education Officer on 01554 742369 or email EHEenquiries@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Home Education

Classification of School

All Carmarthenshire schools are classified as co-educational schools in that they cater for boys and girls, and unless noted otherwise are day schools and not residential schools.

Secondary Schools are, unless noted otherwise, classified as comprehensive schools.

In accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 a limit of 30 pupils in a class being taught by one qualified teacher is placed on Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes.

How to apply

Key Facts:

Once the parent/carer/corporate parent has decided upon the school they wish their child/children to attend it is a requirement for them to submit an application to the appropriate Admissions Authority. Parents/guardians are asked to rank the school choice by 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

For Community and Voluntary Controlled schools this can be done:-

Directly online using the Local Authority’s website; or
Council Customer Service Centres; or
By contacting the school.

No Community or Voluntary Controlled Primary School can authorise the admission of a pupil they can only help with the application form by appointment.

For Voluntary Aided Schools

Apply Direct to school
Online application via Carmarthenshire County Authority Website.

Completing the application form

Parental/Guardian Responsibility

Where parental/Guardian responsibility is stated then you must have consulted with and received the approval of all parties with parental responsibility before applying.

Parental Preference - School Choices

Parents will be able to apply online for a place in a maximum of three schools on the application form. It’s recommended parents/guardians apply for 3 choices to increase the chance of securing a place at a school of preference.

Parents/guardians who chose to apply for 2 or 3 schools will have to rank them in order of preference (i.e. 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice).

Initially all applications will be considered equally, but if a place in the 1st choice is offered, places will not be offered in either the 2nd or 3rd choice of schools.

If the 1st choice is refused, your 2nd choice will then be treated as if it were a 1st choice of school. This process will continue until a place is offered or until all 3 choices are exhausted.

Parents/guardians should contact admissions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to discuss an alternative school place if all choices have been unsuccessful.

Where multiple applications are received, they are automatically processed in the order they are received. If you submit a new application, the application received the earliest will remain as your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice and your second application will be added as your 4th, 5th and 6th choice.

Changing or cancelling preferred school choices

Parents must email admissions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to change the order of their choice of school. Parents may be asked to submit a new application. Changes made after the published closing dates will be considered as late applications.

Language preference – Dual Stream and Bilingual Schools

Where a school can offer more than one language stream (for example a dual stream school), parents can express a preference for a particular stream on the application form. However, the admitting authority does not offer a place in a particular language stream only a place in the relevant year group at that school. Any language preferences should be discussed with the school once a place is offered.

Home Address

A pupil’s home address is considered to be a residential property, a dwelling or residential building not including any land attached to it, that is the child’s only or main residency. The catchment area is based on the location of the house in which the pupil lives and not any land surrounding that house and is either:-

• owned by the child’s parent(s) or the person with a defined legal parental responsibility for the child; or
• is leased to or rented by the child’s parent(s) or the person with parental responsibility under a written rental agreement, signed by the landlord and tenant, of not less than six months duration.

Proof of Address

The Authority reserves the right to request proof of address at the time an offer of a place is made. In order for the application to be considered as part of the normal admissions round then you will need to provide proof that you are residing at the address stated on the application form at the deadline date. The Authority will consider any two of the following documents as being of assistance to determine residency at a particular address:-

1. An original Authority Tax or Housing Benefit bill or notification letter being not more than 12 months old;
2. An original utility bill (not more than 3 months old);
3. An original award letter of Child Benefit or Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit award letter (not less than three months old and stating the name of the child/children);
4. A signed and dated tenancy/lease agreement of at least six months duration but with not less than one month duration remaining;
5. Original credit card or bank statement showing the address (not more than two months old);
6. Written confirmation from the applicants Bank or Building Society confirming details of the change of address and also the date the change was effective from;
7. Valid current photo ID driving licence.

As part of the admission process you are required to provide proof of your address in connection with your application. The Authority will seek to verify the information provided and reserves the right to require the applicant to provide any additional information it deems necessary to confirm residency or to take reasonable action to determine whether or not an application is fraudulent.

If a school place is offered on the basis of an address that is subsequently found to be different from a child’s normal and permanent address, then the place is liable to be withdrawn. If a school place is offered and a parent or person with a legal parental responsibility for a child, knowingly and willingly provides a false statement, which would affect the success of their application, they may have the place withdrawn. If no proof of residency is provided then the Authority will be unable to process the application and the place may be awarded to another pupil.

Moving Residency/Change of Address

If you intend to change residency and are applying for admission to a school based on the new address then the Authority will take steps to verify the arrangements. The Authority will also accept either a solicitor’s letter stating that contracts have been exchanged and specifying a completion date or a signed and dated tenancy agreement as indicated in (4) above. If you cannot provide proof of address by the date given for receipt of applications then your application will be based on your current address.

Shared Responsibility

Where there is shared responsibility for a child, and the child lives with both parents, or persons with a legal parental responsibility for the child, for part of the week, then the main residence will be determined as the address that the child lives for the majority of the week. Where there is 50/50 residency it will be the address of the parent who is in receipt of Child Benefit. Parents may be requested to supply documentary evidence to support the address used when offering a place.

Additional and Special Learning needs (ALN/SEN)

Parents must note if a pupil has any Special or Additional Learning needs on the application form when asked. This information will help schools plan ahead to put provision in place for pupils should they be admitted to the school. The ALN/SEN department will be asked to verify these applications.

Gypsy and Traveller Children

The Authority is obliged, by statute, to ensure that all children of compulsory school age receive education that is appropriate to their age, abilities and any special educational needs, and promotes high standards in the provision of education and the welfare of children. These obligations apply to all children whether or not they are permanent residents in the area. Admission applications made in respect of gypsy and traveller families will be dealt with, with a view to placing these children as quickly as possible at the nearest available and appropriate school.

Awarding Places – Over-Subscription Criteria

Over-subscription criteria for admission to community and voluntary controlled nursery, primary and secondary schools.

If there are more applications for admission than places available at a particular school, the allocation of places will be based on the following criteria listed in priority order:-

1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
2. Children who live in the school’s catchment area and have a sibling enrolled in the school at the time the child is to start at that school.
3. Children who live in the school’s catchment area who do not have a sibling enrolled in the school at the time the child is to start at that school.
4. Children who reside outside of the school’s catchment area AND have a sibling enrolled in the school at the time the child is to start at that school.
5. Children who reside outside of the school’s designated catchment area who do not have a sibling enrolled in the school at the time the child is to start at that school.

N.B Where there is a Statement of Educational Needs or an Individual Development Plan (IDP) naming a particular school then this must be stated clearly on your application form. Such applications are dealt with separately and prior to the over- subscription criteria being applied.

Notes

Within each of the above categories:

Distance Criteria

The distance from home to the school will be used as a basis for determining priority, with those living nearest the school being given priority and a place at the school before those living further away. The distance will be measured using Google Maps.
The distance from the home address to school will be measured from the nearest available route from the nearest school entrance to the nearest available access point by highway or footpath to the home address.

Siblings

Children will be classified as siblings if they are: a full brother or sister (children who have two parents in common), a half brother or sister (children who have one parent in common), an adopted or fostered brother or sister, a step brother or sister (children who are related because their parents are married, co-habiting or in a civil partnership), but in every case the children must be living in the same family unit at the same address for the majority of the week. Where there is 50/50 residency it is the address of the parent/guardian in receipt of Child Benefit which is used to process the application and the sibling must be enrolled and attending the school when your child is due to start school. The Authority reserves the right to request evidence if required. Failing to provide evidence when asked, will result in your application being ranked as having no sibling at school.

Multiple Birth Children

In any circumstances in which there is one place available and the next eligible children are twins/triplets then the Local Authority will admit both/all children.

Children of UK Service Personnel

Children of UK Service personnel will be treated as in catchment if their application forms are accompanied by an official Ministry of Defence (MOD) letter declaring a definite return date and confirmation of the new address within catchment.

Admission Number (AN) – A limit on the number of pupils admitted into a school

Every school has an Admission Number (AN) which specifies and limits the number of pupils who can be admitted to each year group in the school. The AN for each school is given in the list of schools enclosed in this booklet.

The AN for each school has been set by using the capacity formula determined by the Welsh Government. The calculation is based on national guidelines (Measuring the Capacity of Schools In Wales Circular 021/2011) and relates to the physical area of the school buildings, the type of facilities at the school, the age range and number of year groups in the school.

The AN applies to the age group into which the pupils are admitted into the school and places a limit on the number of pupils who can be admitted. In the normal year of entry the Admissions Authority must admit pupils until the AN is reached. Should the number of applications received for admission to a school exceed the AN then the Authority will prioritise the applications it has received in accordance with the over subscription criteria detailed in this document. In such circumstances parents may not be successful in gaining a place for their child at their preferred school. School governors and the Local Authority must always keep the AN under review.

Other Admissions Arrangements

A bilingual Carmarthenshire - Learning through the medium of Welsh

Parents may express a preference for a particular language school. However, Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to further developing its bilingual education system in line with the 2022-2032 Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. We strongly believe that being bilingual or multilingual is an advantage for our children and young people. Considerations have been made for pupils that may move into the County with very little or no Welsh language. Pupils of all ages can access support for Welsh provision in Carmarthenshire. More details can be found on our bilingual education pages.

Split Site schools

When an application is made for admission to a school which operates on more than one site, the Authority will approve admission to the school and not to a particular site. The site the children will attend is a matter for the school to decide.

Gypsy and Traveller children

Admission applications made in respect of gypsy and traveller families will be dealt with, with a view to placing these children as quickly as possible at the nearest available and appropriate school.

Moving/Changing Schools Outside the normal admissions arrangements. (Mid/In Year Transfers)

Where applications fall outside of the normal admission arrangements as seen in part 2, applications are processed in line with the following arrangements.

Changing schools requires serious consideration and should be fully discussed with the Headteacher of a child’s present school in the first instance. The parent/guardian needs to consider if moving school is in the child’s best interests. The Department for Education and Children will also provide advice if required.

Should a parent/guardian wish to transfer a child from one school to another the online admission application form must be completed.

It is not always possible to offer pupils a place in a year group at a school outside of the normal admissions round, as all available places may have already been allocated to pupils at an earlier time (i.e earlier requests to move school for the academic year/previous academic years, or during the normal admissions round).

Moving into a school’s catchment area does not guarantee a place at a school. Having a sibling being offered or admitted to a school does not guarantee a school place for other siblings.

Where there are multiple children from one household requesting a move to a school, it may not be possible to offer a school place to all of the children in the same school if some year groups are already over its admission number.

Applications received prior to a new Academic Year which the application is for will be processed in the Summer term before the Academic Year starts. All places are kept open for 1 term only. Applications received during the Academic Year should be assessed and parents/guardian notified of a decision within 15 school days or 28 calendar days (whichever is soonest) if the application has been successful or not. All applications are processed in accordance with the Welsh Government Admissions Code.
Applications for Children identified as either Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children; Statemented; or with an Individual Development Plan will need to be verified before processing.

A school place would normally be held for one school term before being withdrawn and reallocated provided the start date is within the same academic year applied for.

Applications will be considered in accordance with the admission procedures and policies detailed in this document. Should there be more applications than places available then the Authority will prioritise applications in accordance with its over-subscription criteria detailed in this document.

Should parents be unsuccessful in obtaining a place for their child at their preferred school, they will be notified by email of the reason(s) why a place has not been offered. The decision email will also state their right to appeal against that decision and the process of how to appeal and the closing date to appeal.

More information on the appeals process is detailed in this document.

Waiting lists for applications outside of the normal admissions arrangements

Where it has not been possible to admit a pupil to a preferred school choice due to oversubscription, parents must inform the Authority by email admissions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk if they wish for their child’s name to be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list will be retained until the 30th of September following notification of decision date as set in the admissions schedule of events timetable detailed in this booklet.

Other year groups

Applications for admissions for pupils into year groups other than the usual year group, based on the date of birth of a pupil, will be considered on an individual basis and where applicable against the admissions over-subscription criteria outlined in this booklet. There is a specific process for considering such applications which will involve assessment by the L.A. of the individual circumstances of each case. It is not an automatic process.

Notification of Offer of a Place at a School

Parents will be advised by e-mail confirming, or otherwise, that a place is available at the school and offering them the opportunity of accepting the place in line with the admissions arrangements set in the Schedule of Events as detailed in this document.

A Parent must accept the offer email to secure a place in school. If a Parent does not respond by the date on the email, the place may be withdrawn and the place offered to another pupil.

Applications for admission outside of the normal admissions arrangements will be notified usually within 15 school days or 28 calendar days, whichever is soonest from receipt of application.

Waiting List

Where it has not been possible to admit a pupil to a school due to over- subscription, parents must inform the Authority by e-mail or letter if they wish their child’s name to be placed on the waiting list which will be retained until 30 September, 2024. Should vacancies become available they will be awarded in accordance with the over-subscription criteria outlined rather than the amount of time the application has been on the waiting list. It should be noted that fresh applications must be made after the 30th September deadline.

Pupils on the waiting list will only be considered for a school place, if the number of places allocated/on roll in the relevant year group drop below the admission number for the school. Should vacancies become available all new and late applications received at that time will be considered for the vacancies along with those on the waiting list. Any available places will be allocated in accordance with the oversubscription criteria. Applications on the waiting list for the normal admissions arrangements will be kept reviewed on a monthly basis until the 30th of September after the notification of decision date as set in the admissions schedule of events timetable detailed in this document.

Parents can appeal a decision while on the waiting list for multiple schools.

Withdrawing the Offer of a Place

The offer of a school place will be withdrawn on the basis:

1. that it is subsequently discovered that a fraudulent or intentionally misleading application was made(e.g. falsely claiming to reside within a catchment area of a school); or
2. the offer of a place has not been accepted by the dates on the letter/email. The Authority may thenwithdraw the offer and the place may be given to another child.
3. A place at another school is confirmed by a parent/guardian.
4. If a pupil has not started at a school at the end of the school term of which term they were due to start in accordance with the Authority policy.

Appeals regarding admission of pupils to community / voluntary controlled primary or secondary schools

Should parents be unsuccessful in obtaining a place for their child at their preferred school, they will be notified by email of the reason(s) why a place has not been secured and also of their right to appeal against that decision and the process for doing so.

For Community Schools and Voluntary Controlled Schools the Authority will make arrangements for an Independent Appeals Panel to consider appeals. The appeals procedure will be undertaken in accordance with Welsh Government’s School Admission Appeals Code.

There is no right of appeal in the case of refusal of admission to Early Years, 3 Year old part-time nursery provision.

Appeals will be heard individually or as a group if there are more than one appeal for the same school, except when the body or bodies responsible for making appeal arrangements direct otherwise. Parents will be afforded an opportunity of presenting their case in private either directly or with the assistance of their chosen representative.

The Clerk will notify all parties of the Panel’s decision which will be binding upon the Authority, the Governing Body and the parents.

An appeal by parents against refusal of a place at a Community or Voluntary Controlled School must be submitted by the appeals e-form.

Where medical evidence is required you will need to provide copies of reports relating to the diagnosis from the relevant Consultant and/or Specialist. Voluntary Aided Schools will have their own arrangements for appeals to be heard independently. In addition to the above nothing in this process will prevent a parent with a child who has a statement of educational needs but who has been refused admission to the school named in the statement from having such a decision reviewed by an SEN Tribunal.

Number of Appeals for normal entry to Carmarthenshire Schools for the academic year 2022/23

Admission To Voluntary Aided Schools

Parents who wish their child to attend a Voluntary Aided School should contact the Headteacher of the school. The contact details are listed separately in the schools list in this booklet. Admission arrangements and appeals are dealt with by the school’s Governing Body in the case of a Voluntary Aided School.

SECTION B - Information on Education and Learning

1. School Terms and Holiday Dates for 2024/25

Please note that this calendar is subject to any changes that may arise as a result of government policy decisions. Carmarthenshire County Authority does not accept liability for any losses incurred in respect of altered holiday arrangements following such changes.

School Terms and Holiday Dates for 2024/25

2. The School Curriculum

During primary education and the first three years of secondary education all schools offer a broad and balanced programme which includes all National Curriculum subjects. The aim of the curriculum offered in each school is to enable all pupils to achieve their full potential. In the 4th and 5th year of secondary school pupils continue to study the National Curriculum subjects but with some scope for options to suit pupils' individual talents and interests.

Parents are fully consulted about these options and a careers adviser is attached to each school to offer advice. The National Curriculum consists of the core subjects: English, Welsh, mathematics and science. The other foundation subjects are technology, history, geography, a modern foreign language (in secondary schools only), music, art, physical education and Welsh, where it is not a core subject.

All schools must also make provision for religious education. Parents have a right to withdraw pupils from the religious education provision and acts of collective worship. Any such requests should be made to the Headteacher of the school.

General Principles

Carmarthenshire believes in the educational value of being conversant in two or more languages and is strongly in favour of a bilingual policy in its schools. The long term aim of this policy is to teach children to be fluently bilingual in the use of Welsh and English by the time they leave primary school. The provision made should ensure that the children are able to communicate with confidence in both languages and that they are aware of the cultural heritage of Wales. The secondary schools’ language policy is a continuation of the primary policy and reflects the place given to Welsh in the communities in which the schools are located. The Welsh in Education Strategic Plan notes that there is currently a variety of approaches teaching the Welsh language teaching subjects through the medium of Welsh in the County’s various schools. That said, all schools are expected to develop Welsh medium, bilingual and multilingual provision so that pupils are fully integrated into their bilingual communities at the end of the statutory educational process.

Complaints about the School Curriculum and Related Matters

Each individual school has a policy for dealing with complaints. Any concerns which parents may have will ideally be resolved informally in discussion directly with the school. However, should parents wish to make the complaint formal, the school has established procedures which they are obliged to make available.

In relation to Voluntary Controlled and Voluntary Aided Schools a representative of the relevant Diocesan Body will be invited to be present in accordance with the established procedures when a complaint is being considered. Should the complaint involve religious matters then the above procedure would be followed, but the Complaints Committee would also include Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Advisory Authority on Religious Education and for V.C. Primary Schools the Diocesan Director of Education would be invited as an observer.

Year Groups/Pupil Ages

A pupil's progression through years of compulsory education is divided into four key stages. The table shows the key stages against the corresponding pupil ages and year numbers.

The Teaching of Welsh and English in Carmarthenshire Schools

In line with Welsh Government guidance (January 2022) all schools and Local Authorities in Wales must state in which language they intend to teach. From PLASC January 2024 the new school categories will be introduced in nationally.

The linguistic provision couples closely with: the County's Welsh in Education Strategic Plan; contributing towards the Welsh Government's target of having a million Welsh speakers by 2050; embedding Proposals to teach the Languages and Communications Area of Learning and Experience of the new Curriculum for Wales as well as obliging to the Well-being of Future Generations Act.

As a result, there is a clear expectation that all schools will develop provision that increases the use of Welsh in the formal and extra-curricular curriculum, as a means of achieving the County's recognised 10-year WESP between 2022-2032.

The Local Authority and the School will need to agree the most suitable category based on current provision from the following new list:

Category 1 - English-medium School
English is the school’s main language of internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is recognition that creating a Welsh language ethos within the school will support and encourage positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. A learner in a school of this category will be able to read, write, speak and listen in English according to their age and ability, and will have some understanding of Welsh. Welsh is taught as part of the Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) for languages, literacy and communication At least 15% of the learners’ school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh.

Category 2 - Dual language School
Welsh and English will be used for internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is clear understanding that maintaining a Welsh language ethos within the school will support positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. A learner in a school of this category will be able to speak, read, write and listen in English and Welsh according to age and ability. Welsh language skills will be further strengthened by increasing the amount of learning opportunities (curricular as well as extra-curricular) offered through the medium of Welsh. Where Welsh is used as a medium of learning, occasional English is used at times to reinforce the learners' understanding. With the right support, learners could progress to a Category 3 Welsh-medium secondary school. At least 50% of the learners’ school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh. This could be achieved in different ways depending on the school's context. It could be by using full Welsh-medium immersion up to age 7 with choice offered in the other year groups, or that 50% of school activities are in Welsh throughout.

Category 3 - Welsh-medium School
Welsh is the school’s main language of internal communication. Communication with parents and carers is in either English, Welsh or bilingually as needed. This is a school with a strong Welsh language ethos at its core, supporting and enabling learners’ Welsh language use in all social context in and outside of school. In a Welsh immersion setting all learners are taught fully in Welsh, with English being used on occasion to ensure understanding during early immersion. From aged 7 onwards at least 80% of learner’s school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh.

Secondary Schools

Category 1 - English-medium School
English is the school’s main language of internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is recognition that creating a Welsh language ethos within the school will support and encourage positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. A learner in a school of this category will be taught mainly through the medium of English, and will be able to speak, read, write and listen in English according to age and ability. Welsh is taught as part of the Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) for languages, literacy and communication At least 15% of the learners’ school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) will be in Welsh.

Category 2 - Dual language School
Welsh and English will be used for internal communication as well as with parents and carers. There is clear understanding that maintaining a Welsh language ethos within the school will support positive attitudes towards Welsh language use. A learner in a school of this category will be able to speak, read, write and listen in English and Welsh according to their age and ability. Welsh language skills will be further strengthened by increasing the amount of learning opportunities (curricular as well as extra-curricular) offered through the medium of Welsh. Depending on the amount of time devoted to learning through the medium of Welsh and use of the Welsh language outside the classroom, learners would be able to apply their Welsh skills in a range of different Areas of Learning and Experience. At least 40% of learners undertaking at least 40% of school activities (both curricular and extra-curricular) in Welsh.

Category 3 – Welsh-medium School
Welsh is the main language for internal communication. The school will communicate with parents and carers in either Welsh, English or bilingually as needed. There is a robust Welsh ethos, supporting and enabling learners to use Welsh in all social contexts in and outside of the school. Your child will be able to speak, read, write and listen in Welsh and English according to age and ability.

Category 3 – Welsh-medium School offers a wide range of their Areas of Learning and Experience through the medium of Welsh. At least 60% of learners undertaking at least 70% of their school activities (curricular and extra-curricular) will be Welsh. Category 3 schools are expected to continue to reflect the linguistic context of the area whilst working towards increasing their Welsh-medium provision over time.

A Category 3P School – Designated Welsh-medium School – delivers all Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE) through the medium of Welsh. 100% of learners will undertake at least 90% of their school activities (curricular and extra-curricular) in Welsh.

Transitional Sub-categories T2 and T3
These are bridging categories between two main language categories. These transitional arrangements enable schools to plan how they will realise an increase in Welsh-medium provision over time. Increasing the Welsh-medium provision, in order to move to the next category, is the aim of the transitional sub-categories. Therefore, T2 bridges a category 1 and 2 school, with the aim of becoming a category 2 over time and T3 bridges a category 2 and 3 school with a goal of becoming a category 3 School over time.

Information on Education and Learning

Public Examinations

The LA will comply with the requirement of the law. Pupils, if considered suitable by the Headteacher, are entered for the examinations of the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) and other examining groups.
The timetables for the examinations are arranged by the WJEC and other examining groups and Headteachers are notified of these and the subsequent examination results directly by those groups.

Exclusion of Pupils

The Headteacher (or another responsible teacher acting in the Headteacher's name) is the only person who has the power to exclude a pupil from the school on disciplinary grounds. It is the Headteacher's duty to inform the parents and children (or pupil if aged 11 or over) of whether the exclusion is permanent or for a fixed period and the reasons for it. Parents will be invited to make representations regarding the exclusion to the exclusion panel of the school governing body. A copy of the exclusion guidance document is available from The Department for Education and Children. Further advice can be obtained from the EOTAS Officer: Tel: 01267 246456.

School Activities Charges

The basic principle is that the education provided by a maintained school should be free of charge where it takes place wholly or mainly during school hours. In some circumstances charges may be made or voluntary contributions sought by schools and this will be brought to the attention of parents before any commitment to a particular activity is made.

School Leaving Date

Pupils may leave school on the last Friday in June of Year 11 of secondary education if they have attained the age of 16.

School Governing Bodies

Each school or federation of schools has a governing body which comprises members of the local community, parents, teachers, staff and representatives of the Local Authority.

Governing Bodies of church schools (voluntary aided and voluntary controlled) also have representatives of the church authority.

When vacancies arise for parent governors, information is circulated via the school’s usual communication channels, and to be eligible to be a parent governor, a person musthave a child registered at the school for which the Governing Body is responsible. A parent governor holds office for a fixed period of four years (two years for Ammanford Nursery School) and a parent governor can, if he or she so chooses, serve the full term of office, even if his or her child is no longer a pupil at that school.Governing Bodies are required by law to meet at least once a term.

Further information relating to governing bodies can be obtained from the School Governance Unit at the Department for Education and Children, Tel: 01267 246448 / governance@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.

SECTION C - Services to Pupils

Meeting Additional /Special Educational Needs

The system for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disability in Wales has changed. The Welsh Government has brought in a new more flexible and responsive system of meeting the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities and are striving to deliver a fully inclusive education system for the learners of Wales.

Utilising the new system schools will ensure:

• needs are identified early, addressed quickly and all learners are supported to reach their potential.
• professionals are skilled and confident in identifying needs and deploying strategies to help learners overcome their barriers to learning.
• that learners receive personalized learning and that they and their parents and carers are equal partners in their learning (Person Centred Approach).

From September 2021 the new system will be brought in gradually over three years (2021-2024).

Additional learning needs

Carmarthenshire County Council Transport Policy

Your children may be able to get free transport to school, depending on how far they live from the school and any additional needs they may have.

School transport

School Meals & School Essentials (Pupil Development Grant Access) 

Carmarthenshire School Meals service provides a choice of nutritionally balanced and value for money meals for every school in the county. School meals play an important part in teaching children social skills and introducing them to different and varied food options.

Pupils in primary schools are offered a free breakfast and have a choice of a cooked two-course meal every day, and secondary school pupils having cafeterias which provide a choice of meals, snacks, fruit and puddings to pupils, available at lunch and morning break times.

If your child has a special dietary requirement issue, then please draw it to the attention of the school and the catering staff and the service will do its best to accommodate the requirements.

The service also provides facilities for pupils to be provided with drinking water at meal times.

School meals

Welsh Government has introduced a PDG Access Grant. This is to provide grant assistance to families on low incomes for the purchase of:

• School uniform including coats and shoes;
  
• School sports kit including footwear;
  
• Uniform for enrichment activities, including but not limited to, scouts; guides; cadets; martial arts; sports; performing arts or dance;
  
• Equipment e.g. school bags and stationery;
  
• Specialist equipment where new curriculum activities begin such as design and technology; and
  
• Equipment for out of school hour’s trips such as outdoor learning e.g. waterproofs.
  

Please note that the above list can be subject to change.

School Essentials (Pupil Development Grant Access)

Educational Maintenance Allowance

These allowances are available for students over statutory school leaving age who stay on at school. Full information and how to apply for any of these allowances and grants is available from the school.

Educational Maintenance Allowance

School Safeguarding and Attendance Team

The School Safeguarding and Attendance Team (SSAT) works on behalf of the local authority to support regular school attendance and engagement in education. The team also works to ensure safeguarding within school settings and oversees Elective Home Education. Staff promote family engagement to enable families to overcome barriers to regular school attendance and engagement in education. The SSAT has the delegated responsibility for overseeing child performance; child employment; and chaperone licensing across the authority.

The SSAT also acts on behalf of the local authority in enforcing a parents’ duty to provide appropriate education under the Education Act (1996) (2002). The service works in partnership with schools, children services, families and wider partners.

For more information: 01554 742369.

Trust Funds

The Authority administers a number of charitable trust funds which can offer assistance towards the expenses of those attending further or higher education courses. In the main, each of these trust funds has been established for the benefit of pupils who have attended a specified school or schools in the County although it should be noted that some can provide financial assistance to support students from anywhere within the County. Further particulars of the availability of assistance from trust funds should be sought from the Headteacher of the school or by visiting our web page.

Trust Funds

The Careers Service

Careers Wales aims to help young people make those difficult decisions about their future. It has up-to-date expert knowledge of education, training and employment and usually pupils are seen by Careers Advisers in school from Year 9 of the Secondary School onwards. 

Careers Wales

Carmarthenshire Family Information Service

The Family Information Service (FIS) provides free, bilingual, impartial information on a wide range of childcare options, activities for children and family support related issues. This includes paying for childcare and working in childcare, information on nurseries, childminders, out of school clubs, playgroups and parent and toddler groups. The Family Information Service is available to parents, carers, employers and professionals throughout Carmarthenshire.

Carmarthenshire Family Information Service

The Childcare Offer

For further information about the Childcare Offer for Wales please contact Carmarthenshire Family Information Service: 01267 246555 or visit their website.

Childcare Offer for Wales

Healthy Schools Scheme

The Healthy Schools Scheme has been running successfully since September 2001 and all primary schools, secondary schools and additional learning establishments in Carmarthenshire are now part of the initiative. The ‘Healthy School’ is one which takes responsibility for maintaining and promoting the health of all who ‘learn, work, play and live’ within it by embedding the seven health topics into all aspects of pupils’ learning experiences.

The Seven Topics are:

• Food and Fitness
  
• Mental and Emotional Health and Well Being
  
• Personal Development and Relationships
  
• Substance use and misuse
  
• Environment
  
• Safety
  
• Hygiene

The initiative supports Wales’ new Curriculum with regards to healthy children and young people and substantially supports the Personal and Social Education Framework.

Schools must progress through five phases of the scheme within four areas, Leadership and Communication, Curriculum, Ethos and Environment and Family and Community involvement. Upon phase completion, schools are awarded a plaque. The National Quality Award is the highest award achievable in the scheme and there are currently 7 schools working towards the NQA status in Carmarthenshire. The National Quality Award is the highest award achievable within the scheme, with 3 schools having achieved this prestigious award.

For further information on the Healthy Schools Scheme please contact Catrin Rees, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator, CLRees@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or Shân Thomas, Healthy Schools Officer, ShEThomas@carmarthenshire.gov.uk on 01267 246622.

Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship Education

Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship Education is embedded within the four core purposes of the Curriculum for Wales. All Carmarthenshire schools are committed to supporting Carmarthenshire County Council to become net zero carbon by 2030.

All learners are supported and encouraged to develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to engage with the world including the belief that we can all make a difference. Through purposeful actions learners are empowered to take responsibility for the natural environment and make connections for positive change. This creates a culture of care and responsibility for our future generations.

Carmarthenshire is a Fairtrade Local Authority and continues to support its schools with the Fairtrade Schools Programme.

Global connections with schools on an international platform continue to be supported through Wales’s newly formed International Exchange Programme ‘Taith’. Carmarthenshire schools continue to build on this well-established model of participation with a clear understanding of the value of these transformative school exchange programmes. Well established and successful partnerships working continues to flourish between Carmarthenshire schools and schools in Lesotho, through the Connecting Classrooms programme and Dolen Cymru.

For more information on any of the above please contact:

Associate Education Support Adviser Louise Morgan HeLMorgan@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Climate Action manifesto

SECTION D - Carmarthenshire Schools and Pupil Summary

Total Pupil Number (January 2023)

Further information on an access to the websites of individual schools may obtained on our Find a School page.

SECTION E - Carmarthenshire Schools: Nursery Schools

KEY

Carmarthenshire Schools: Community Primary Schools

KEY

Carmarthenshire Schools: Voluntary Controlled Primary Schools

KEY

Carmarthenshire Schools: Secondary Schools

KEY

Carmarthenshire Schools: Voluntary Aided Secondary School

KEY

Carmarthenshire Schools: Special Schools