Last updated 16:04, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

IT may seem like a lifetime away before your toddler starts school but you need to make a decision about which primary school you want them to attend now.

ON TARGET: A pupil at Bridekirk Dovenby Church of England Primary School

Choosing the first school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will have to make so it is essential that you do all you can to make sure you get it right.

Children in Cumbria can begin their full-time primary education by entering a Reception class the September following their fourth birthday.

Children born between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2005 can start school in September 2009.

It is very important to make sure you get your application in by the closing date, which is Monday, December 1, 2008, so it is never too early to start preparing.

Every parent has to apply for their child, even if the child is attending a nursery attached to a school, as your child will not be considered unless you have applied.

It is very important to return your form by the closing date because late applications for oversubscribed schools are unlikely to be successful.

You can complete the application form contained in the information booklet ‘Starting School in Cumbria’ and return it to your first choice school or the Admissions and Student Support Team.

A booklet is available for each district council area in mid-October.

The booklet contains an application form and information about the application and allocation process.

It also has other useful advice including information about school transport policy and an application form, financial assistance and the general admissions policy used to allocate schools.

You will be able to list three schools on the form in the order of preference.

This information pack can be obtained from your local primary school or by contacting the School Places Team on 01228 221171/226930/221198/221159/ 221219/226999.

You can also go online at www. cumbria.gov.uk/ childrensservices/admissions.

You will receive a letter back on April 22, 2009 to inform you of the decision about your school of choice.

If the school system is too confusing or you need help to decide which school you would like to apply to, help is at hand.

The Choice Advice Service offers advice in choosing the school that would best suit the needs of your child.

A school choice advisor will be able to help you make a choice and also if you have any difficulty filling in the form.

Contact them by calling 01228 226826 or you can email them at choice.adviser@ cumbriacc.gov.uk