Shropshire and Mid Wales parents face deadline for schools form

The final cut off for admissions for this year's intake at primary schools is January 15 in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Powys.

Parents are being warned that their youngsters risk missing out if they do not get their applications completed on time.

It applies to children born between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012.

SHROPSHIRE: Parents are being urged to apply online wherever possible.

The quickest way to apply for a place is to visit shropshire.gov.uk/school-admissions

You can also call the council's school admissions team on 0345 678 9008 if you cannot access the website, have any questions or need help.

TELFORD & WREKIN: Parents can apply online by visiting www.telford.gov.uk/admissions

If anyone has any queries they can call (01952) 385385. You can also email the admissions team at admissions@telford.gov.uk, or drop into the reception area at Darby House, Lawn Central, Telford, to collect a paper form to complete.

POWYS: A form can be downloaded by visiting www.powys.gov.uk/en/schools-students/apply-for-a-school-place

You can also get a form by contacting the council's admissions and transport team. It can be contacted by emailing admissionsandtransport@powys.gov.uk or you can call (01597) 826449.

Admissions manager at Shropshire Council Carol Sneddon said: "A formal application from a parent is required before a school reception place can be allocated.

"Some parents may mistakenly believe that a school place will be offered automatically; this is not the case.

"Even if a child attends a nursery on a school site, or an older brother or sister is attending the school, or the family live a short distance from the school, it is still necessary to make an application.

"If parents do not apply before the closing date, the application must be treated as late, in which case it would be considered after all those received by the closing date have been allocated a place.

"At that stage the preferred school might already be full, and parents would be offered a place at an alternative school to their preference," she added.

Russell Griffin, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "It is really important to apply on time as families who do so maximise their chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools.

"Parents need to apply formally even if their child is already attending a nursery at the school or on the school site.

"There is an appeals system in place if parents do not get one of their preferred schools, but it is limited by the fact that the independent appeal panels are not able to allow more than 30 infant children in a class except under very limited and specialised circumstances.

"If you need any help or are unsure about how to apply please contact us for support and advice."

Lee Evans, spokesman for Powys County Council, said: "Admission forms have been sent to all parents of registered three-year-olds in the county.

"Forms have also gone to primary schools and are also available at local libraries. Forms have also been provided to health visitors so that they can give them to parents when their child's three-year-old health and development review."

Many schools across the region are often over-subscribed.