Life Events

Starting School?

Making sure you select the right school for you and your child is one of the most important decisions for a parent or carer

• Finding a school
• Attending school
• School Holidays
• Grants and Benefits
• School Catering
• Homework Help
• Special Education Needs
• Transferring schools
• Appealing against a decision
• Out of School Clubs

Finding a school

Use the links below to decide which school you would like your child to attend. You should arrange to visit the school(s) of your choice and inform the Headteacher that you wish your child to be placed on the waiting list.  When the time is right the school will post an admission form to you which you should complete and return.  If the number of children on the waiting list is less than the subscribed class size then the Headteacher will offer your child a place.

If the school is oversubscribed, i.e. there are more requests than available places, the Council apply criteria to decide which children should gain places.

View details of Schools in Tameside.

Attending School

All children benefit from attending school regularly. As well as educating children, schools provide opportunities for making friends and learning how to get on with people. Children are also encouraged to develop any talents or skills they may have, as well as the essential skills of reading, writing and number. Children who do not attend school miss out on these opportunities.

More information about attendance, punctuality and taking holidays in school term time.

School Holidays

School Holidays and Term Times.

Wherever possible children should not be removed from school for family holidays.

Grants and Benefits

View more information on grants and benefits available for school children.

School Catering

School meals offer a selection of freshly cooked main meals and desserts every day, often including pasta, salad, fresh fruit and yoghurt.

More information on School Meals.

Homework Help

Libraries are a good place to do homework - they have the books and resources, the peace and quiet and the staff to help if you get stuck - some even have free internet access.  In Tameside libraries you will find computers with the same software as in Tameside schools. Your children can use and practice skills they have learned in school at the library too.

The Reference Library at Ashton Central Library have a comprehensive website aimed at providing on-line homework help.

Special Education Needs

Many children, at some time in their school career, will have special educational needs of some kind. The law says that all state schools must do their best to see that proper education is provided for all such children. Most children's needs will be met by their ordinary (mainstream) school, sometimes with the help of outside specialists.

Further information about special educational needs.

Transferring Schools

It is generally in a child's best interest to remain at the same school. If this is not practical, you should speak to the headteacher of your current school and request a transfer form. 

More information about transferring schools.

Appealing against a Decision

If your child is not offered a place at your chosen school you have the right to appeal. Information is available on primary school appeals and secondary school appeals.

Out of School Clubs

Information for childcare, including babysitters, creches and parent and tot groups is available from Surestart Tameside.