Policy and Procedure
INTRODUCTION
St Joseph’s Park Hill has a distinctive ethos shaped by Christian principles from within the Roman Catholic tradition.
The Governing body of the School is responsible for determining and administering the policy relating to the admission of children to the school.
The school is committed to providing equal opportunities to prospective and existing pupils irrespective of age, race, religion, gender, language, sexual orientation, disability or family background. Furthermore, the school aims to ensure equality of access for those with disability or related conditions.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Following the faith based principles of the School, the Governors give priority to applications from families whose child is a baptised Catholic.
Applications are also welcome from parents of other faith backgrounds and denominations who are seeking a Catholic education for their children and support the ethos of the school.
If places become limited the criteria used to decide which children are to be admitted are as follows:
1. Baptised children of practising Roman Catholic parents/guardians ie attend Mass every Sunday
2. Siblings of children in school
3. Baptised children of other Roman Catholics
4. Children of past pupils who support the Catholic ethos of the school
5. Non Catholic Christians
6. Children of parents/guardians of other faiths who support the Catholic ethos of the school.
COMPASSIONATE CIRCUMSTANCES
Compassionate circumstances may be taken into account to give higher priority to a child and /or increase the number of children admitted to any one class.
Although we do not operate a bursary policy we do occasionally respond to parents’ requests for assistance when their circumstances change unexpectedly or some hardship occurs and supporting evidence of the situation is provided. Any assistance is at the complete discretion of the Governing Body. Assistance may take the form of any or all of the following:
- Free before/after school care
- Free school lunches
- A temporary reduction or suspension of fees
PRE-SCHOOL
The school admits children to the Pre-school from attaining three years of age.
RECEPTION
The school admits children into Reception class from both our Pre-school and from external applications. Prospective pupils visit school with parents. The Headteacher and EYFS leader discuss the child’s needs to ensure that school can meet those needs. The parents would complete an application and the child would be invited into school for several transition mornings.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR Key Stage 1 (KS1 - Infants)
In KS1 the Head Teacher meets with parents/guardians to ascertain whether their values and aspirations match the school’s values and aspirations. Prospective pupils are then invited into school for two ‘taster days’ for the child which involves observing their interaction with staff and pupils, and an assessment (reading, writing, maths). The class teacher and Headteacher consider the child’s needs and whether school can meet those needs. A meeting with parents is held to discuss the assessments and observations. If the Headteacher believes the child would benefit from joining our school, then a formal offer is made. If the Headteacher believes that school cannot meet the needs of the child at that time, then a place will not be offered.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR Key Stage 2 (KS2 - Juniors)
In KS2 the Head Teacher meets with parents/guardians to ascertain whether their values and aspirations match the school’s values and aspirations. Prospective pupils are then invited into school for at least 2 ‘taster days’. Assessment tests (English, Reading and Maths) are given and the children are observed. The class teacher and Headteacher consider the child’s needs and whether school can meet those needs. A meeting with parents is held to discuss the assessments and observations. If the Headteacher believes the child would benefit from joining our school, then a formal offer is made. If the Headteacher believes that school cannot meet the needs of the child at that time, then a place will not be offered.
FINAL DECISION
An admission panel composed of members of the Governing body will make a final decision based on the criteria as set down in this policy for admissions to the school.
ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
Once an offer has been made to parents/guardians in writing, those wishing to accept a place must complete the Acceptance Form along with the school’s terms and conditions and return it with a registration fee of £100 to the school by the date given. This fee is non-refundable and does not count towards the fees.
The Governing Body will review this policy on an annual basis.