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Admissions Policy and School Hours

Admissions
Sissinghurst School normally admits up to 20 children into the Reception class during the school year. Admissions are accepted in other year groups where spaces are available. There are five classes and we are able to keep class sizes to 30 or below in line with government requirements.

In accordance with County Policy, the Governors admit children to our school in Year R within the following framework:

(a) Those children aged 5 between 1 September and 31 December may enter school on a full-time basis at the beginning of September or phased-in part-time (see Appendix 4 Year R Phasing-in Plan).

(b) Those children aged 5 between 1 January and 31 August may enter school on a full-time basis at the beginning of September (phased-in part-time) or full-time at the beginning of January a term later. Parents will however have the choice for their child to start school in January on a full-time basis only if they feel that an earlier start would be unsuitable. The school will try to encourage an earlier September start if possible (see Appendix 4 Year R Phasing-in Plan).

Admissions Policy

Parents should collect a copy of the booklet "Admission to Primary School in Kent" from the school or Education Office. Applications for entry to the school for Year R should be made to the Governors via the LEA on the Common Application Form (CAF) provided by the school. In the event of there being more than 20 applications the governors will offer places using the following criteria:

(a) Looked After Children/Children in Local Authority Care. A child under the age of 18 years for whom the Local Authority provides accommodation by agreement with their parents/carers (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989) or who is subject to a care order under Part IV of the Act).

(b) Children living in the Parish of Sissinghurst who have a parent or guardian who has worshiped at least twice a month on average at an Anglican Church for the last twelve months.

(c) A brother or sister attending the school when the child starts. This includes: natural or adopted sublings; step of foster brothers or sisters; those living as brothers or sisters in the same house. For the sibling to apply the family must live at the same address as when the first child was offered a place, or, have moved nearer to the school, or have moved to an address that is less than two miles measured in a straight line using the Ordnance Survey address point data.

(d) Other children living within the Parish of Sissinghurst. (Parish map available for viewing at the school).

(e)) Children who may live outside the Parish who have a parent or guardian who has worshipped at least once a month for the last twelve months at Trinity Church Sissinghurst. (The school will request signed confirmation of attendance of at least one parent from the Vicar).

(f) Other children living in the Civil Parish of Cranbrook.

(g) Children with medical and compassionate needs.

Supported by written evidence from an appropriately qualified medical practioner. The evidence must demonstrate a special connection between the child's needs and Sissinghurst School.

(h) Any other children giving priority to those living closest to the school.

(Distance from home to school will be measured in a straight line using the Ordanance Survey address point data).

Entry Procedure
In the first instance, the Head Teacher should be contacted to arrange a meeting and conducted viewing of the school at work. A Common Application Form (CAF) will be provided and should be submitted together with the school's supplementary form to the Headteacher or to the LEA.

Applications for entry in September (or if desired January) should be received by the school or the LEA by 8 January 2010. The Governors' Admissions Committee will meet to consider these applications and send a list to the LEA who will inform parents by letter on 22 March 2010 of the availability of places and give information about the right to appeal.

When a child is accepted for entry, and the offered place has been accepted, a further letter will be sent nearer the time of entry by the Headteacher, giving a definite starting date for the child. It will also invite him/her to attend an introductory session with their new teacher and classmates during the latter part of the term preceding their entry to our school. The Head and Reception class teacher arrange a meeting with parents of new entrants each year and outline the organisation of the school. The meeting usually takes place in the summer term.

Casual admissions to Years 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 will be dealt with by the school governors via the Headteacher as each case arises. Applications should be made using the school's own application form.

School Hours
The first bell rings at 8.55 am and is the signal for children to go to their classrooms for registration. After assembly, there is a morning break from 10.45 to 11.00. Lunch break is from 12.00 to 1.00 pm. for Classes 1 and 2, and 12.15 to 1.00 pm for Classes 3, 4 and 5 Monday to Thursday and 12.00 to 1.00 on Friday. There is no afternoon break and school finishes at 3.00 pm.