Additional Information

• School Transfers
• Fair Access Protocol
• Applications by non-Tameside residents
• Applying to a school outside Tameside
• Independent schools
• Home education
• Out of school provision

School Transfers

Tameside council believes that it is detrimental to a child’s education to transfer schools other than going into Year 7 at a new secondary school.

It is generally in a child’s best interest to remain at the same school for the whole primary phase and it is the practice of Tameside Council to investigate all school transfer requests when there is no house move involved.

An Education Officer will usually contact all parents in this situation to discuss the issue further.

Studies show that many children experience difficulties settling into a new school and, in the majority of cases, attainment dips when a pupil transfers to another school. For example it can be difficult to join established friendship groups, the curriculum may be organised differently so they may find they are repeating some units of work and have missed others, and they will have to get used to new routines and timetables. In addition, it can often be the case that problems experienced in one school will recur in another.

If your child is experiencing difficulties, please try to work through these with the school staff. If you are still considering a move, please make an appointment with the headteacher to discuss any concerns you may have, and try to resolve them in conjunction with the school.

Often, issues can be resolved within the school. If this is not possible, you are advised to contact the Education Welfare Service who may be able to help. They can be contacted on 0161 342 2290/2294.

Speaking to a Welfare Officer may help you avoid transferring your child to another school.

A decision to move your child from one school to another should not be taken lightly and, in view of the upheaval it is likely to cause to your child’s education, should only be considered as a last resort.

We do realise that, in certain circumstances, it may be necessary to transfer your child to another school, for example if you are moving house on a permanent basis and the distance would make it impossible to attend their current school. In these circumstances, however, we cannot guarantee a place will be available at a particular school.

Fair Access Protocol

All Local Authorities have a Fair Access Protocol for in-year transfers that ensures the speedy admission and fair distribution of pupils with agreed additional needs throughout the Borough.

With specific short term exceptions, all schools in Tameside are participants in the Protocol, which may result in schools admitting pupils over their published admission number.

Applications by non-Tameside residents

If you do not live in Tameside and want your child to go to a Tameside school you should follow the instructions in this booklet. If we cannot offer a place at your preferred school(s), Tameside Council is under no obligation to offer a school place. You should contact your own local authority.

Applying to a school outside Tameside

Parents can apply for a school place in another borough. You should contact the school and/or their local authority to find out more about their admission and appeal arrangements. Contact information is given in the Important Contacts Section.

Independent schools

If you want your child to attend an independent school it is not the policy of Tameside Council to pay the fees, or any other expenses. You will, therefore, need to make your own arrangements for your child to attend this type of school. Parents are advised to submit an application form for a place in a Tameside school even if you have applied for an independent school place.

Home education

It is a parental right to educate a child at home. The council would seek to assess and approve the provision being made by the parent. Please telephone 0161 342 3226 for more details about home education.

Out of school provision

The Headteacher of each school can give the details of any out of school clubs based at the school or operating in the area. Alternatively, parents can contact Families Information Service on 0161 342 5434 for information about children’s activities and childcare provision before and after school and during the school holidays.