Parents considering sending their children to the school are welcome to make an appointment to view the school, please contact us at admin@whinfield.net or 01325 240499
For children starting Reception each September we hold an open evening in October the previous year.
All applications for places must be made through the Local Authority.
If the school has reached its admission limit within a particular year group, parents are required to apply to the LA if they wish to appeal for a place at this school. When numbers on roll fall below the admission limit pupils are admitted in accordance with the Admission Policy criteria and not length of time on a waiting list.
For further information please visit the Darlington Borough Council School Admissions section and starting Primary Education process. To appeal against an admission decision visit: School Admissions – appeals
The Local Authority’s Admission Criteria is as follows:
If a school is over sub-scribed, applications will be considered in the following order of priority:
1. Looked After & Previously Looked After Children. A looked after child is a child who is;
(a) in the care of a Local Authority or
(b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (see the definition in section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989): An adoption order is an order under section 46 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002.
(c) A child arrangement order is an order outlining the arrangements as to the person with whom the child will live under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.
(d) A special guardianship order is an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian or guardians.
2. Medical Reasons Children with very exceptional medical factors directly related to the school placement. Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a professional practitioner (see further explanation).
3. Family Links Children who have a brother or sister already attending the school and who are expected to be on the roll at the time of admission (see definition).
4. Rural Children living within the Rural Wards of the Borough of Darlington who have been unsuccessful in obtaining a place at one of their preferred schools AND for whom the nearest alternative school would otherwise be more than two miles from their home will be given priority over other children for places at certain schools (see “Rural Wards” explanation).
5. Distance (Rural Wards of Darlington Borough Council) – Children who live nearest the preferred school measured from the front door of the home address (including flats) to the main school gate, via the shortest route which is paved/tarmaced*. This will be based on the home address of the child. To remain consistent the Authority uses a Geographical Information System to measure all distances.
6. Distance (Urban Wards of Darlington Borough Council) – Children who live nearest the preferred school measured from the front door of the home address (including flats) to the main school gate, by the shortest walking route. This will be based on the home address of the child. To remain consistent the Authority uses a Geographical Information System to measure all distances. The Authority’s priority when measuring a route is to identify the shortest route judged to be safe (safe is lit at regular intervals, paved/tarmaced). The Local Authority accepts there may be exceptions and will treat each case on its merits.
Transfer
A system of parental preference operates in Darlington. At 11 years of age most pupils from the school transfer to The Education Village Academy or Longfield Academy but it may be that you wish to consider the other schools in the Darlington area. You will receive more information about these schools and how to visit them nearer the time of transfer.
In the Summer Term arrangements are made for our Year 6 pupils to visit their Secondary School and children in the other classes in school visit their new classrooms. If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
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