Admissions Policy
Main School
St. Luke’s Church of England Primary School has a distinctive Christian ethos which is at the heart of this School and provides an inclusive, caring and supportive environment where children learn and flourish in a setting shaped by Christian our Christian ethos of our school and its importance to our community.
The Governing Body is responsible for the admission of pupils to St. Luke’s Church of England Primary School and admits 30 pupils to reception each academic year. This admission number has been agreed between the Governing Body and the Authority.
The school does not have any specific units or facilities for pupils with particular needs and there are no specific facilities for pupils with physical disabilities. The School is, however, on a level site and all the accommodation is on one floor. There are also ramps at the main entrance and at the entrance to the playground. All classrooms may be entered without steps. As far as possible, the school will ensure that pupils with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as other pupils.
The Governing Body is required to abide by the maximum limits for infant classes (5, 6 & 7 year olds), i.e. 30 pupils per class.
The School is part of the locally agreed co-ordination scheme and the timescales for applications to be received and processed are those agreed with the local authority. Parents/carers must complete their home Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) and return the form to that Authority; if applying for a place at this School, parents must name this School as one of the preferences on the CAF. Parents/carers who wish to apply for a foundation place must also complete the school’s supplementary information form and return this to the School. Failure to return the supplementary information form will mean that the school cannot consider the application under the foundation place criteria, in this case the application will be considered under the open place criteria based on the information on the CAF.
Foundation Places
The Governing Body has designated 20 places to be offered to pupils whose families are faithful and regular worshippers at a church of a Christian denomination recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Evangelical Alliance or Churches for Christ in West Norwood. A faithful and regular worshipper is defined as someone who has attended church at least twice a month for at least one year prior to application.
Written evidence of applicants’ commitment to their place of worship (in the form of a clergy reference) will be required at the time of application. If an applicant has moved into the area within the last year, attendance at the previous church will be considered and a reference will be required from the minister there. Governors do not give higher priority to families where both parents worship.
If there are more than 20 applicants, places will be allocated according to the following criteria. These are stated in order of priority:
- i) Looked after children or previously looked after children 1
- ii) Children whose parents or carers are faithful and regular worshippers at one of the following churches:
St. Luke’s, West Norwood
Christ Church, Gipsy Hill
St. Peter’s, Streatham
Emmanuel, West Dulwich
All Saints, West Dulwich
- iii) Children whose parents or carers live within in a mile of the school and are faithful and regular worshippers at a church other than the above but of a Christian denomination recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Evangelical Alliance or Churches for Christ in West Norwood.
- iv) Children who will have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission. This includes stepbrothers and sisters, foster and adopted children living in the same household. 2
- v) Children with an exceptional and professionally supported medical or social need for a place at this school. This must be supported by written evidence, e.g. from a doctor, social worker, or educational psychologist, which sets out reasons why this school is the most suitable school and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school. 3
- vi) The nearness of the home to the school, measured by a straight line between the child’s home address and the school entrance on Linton Grove. 4
In the event that two or more applicants have equal right to a place under any of the above criteria, the Governing Body will apply the subsequent criteria, in order of priority, to these applicants. If applicants live equidistant from the school the Governing Body will draw lots to decide between applicants.
If there are less than 20 qualified applicants for foundation places, any unfilled places will become additional open places. Unsuccessful applicants for foundation places will be considered for any open places.
Open Places
The Governing Body has designated 10 places each year as open places, to be offered to pupils who do not qualify for a foundation place, but whose parents have chosen the school for the type of education it provides. Parents applying for an open place do so knowing that the school aims to provide an education based on Christian principles and, therefore, the Governing Body hopes that all pupils will take part in the Christian worship of the school and will attend religious education lessons.
If there are more than 10 applicants, places will be allocated according to the following criteria. These are stated in order of priority:
i) A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after 1
ii) Children with an exceptional and professionally supported medical or social need for a place at this school. This must be supported by written evidence, e.g. from a doctor, social worker, or educational psychologist, which sets out reasons why this school is the most suitable school and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school. 3
iii) Children of permanent staff at this school who have been employed at the school for two or more years at the time the application is made, and/or a member of staff who has been recruited to fill a post for which there was a demonstrable skills shortage (a maximum of 2 posts per admission year).
iv) Children who will have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission. This includes stepbrothers and sisters, foster and adopted children living in the same household. 2
v) The nearness of the home to the school, measured by a straight line between the child’s home address and the school entrance on Linton Grove.4
In the event that two or more applicants have equal right to a place under any of the above criteria, the Governing Body will apply the subsequent criteria, in order of priority, to these applicants. If applicants live equidistant from the school the Governing Body will draw lots to decide between applicants.
Waiting List
We operate a waiting list, where unsuccessful applications will be kept on file until 1st February each year, in case a place is not taken up and therefore becomes available. Parents may request in writing to join the waiting list. If an application is received and a child is added to the waiting list, the list will be re-ranked in accordance with the oversubscription criteria.
Appeals
Parents who are not offered a place for their child have the right to appeal to an independent appeal panel. Parents wishing to appeal should obtain an appeal form from the school. The form should be sent to reach the Clerk to the Appeal panel, care of the school, within 21 days of the letter confirming the Governors’ decision not to offer a place. Should some appeals be unsuccessful, the governing body will not consider further applications from those parents within the same academic year, unless there have been significant and material changes in their circumstances.
Special Educational Needs
Parents/carers of pupils who have a statement of special education needs, or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan are required to apply for school places separately through the local authority from whom advice is available. The governors will admit all those pupils whose statement or EHC Plan names St Luke’s Church of England Primary School. If a child with a statement, or EHC Plan, is placed in the school by the local authority before the normal admission round, the number of places available to other applicants will be reduced.
Nursery - Admissions Policy
St. Luke’s Church of England Primary School has a distinctive Christian ethos that is at the heart of this School and provides an inclusive, caring and supportive environment where children learn and flourish in a setting shaped by our Christian ethos of our school and its importance to our community.
St Luke’s does not have any specific units or facilities for pupils with particular needs and there are no specific facilities for pupils with physical disabilities. The School is, however, on a level site and all the accommodation is on one floor. There are also ramps at the main entrance and at the entrance to the playground. All classrooms may be entered without steps. As far as possible, St Luke’s will ensure that pupils with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as other pupils.
On 31st May 2023, the Department of Education advised that our request to make a significant change to St Luke’s School by opening a nursery of 21 places from 1st September 2023 had been approved.
Foundation Places
The Governing Body has designated 11 places to be offered to pupils whose families are faithful and regular worshippers at a church of a Christian denomination recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Evangelical Alliance or Churches for Christ in West Norwood. A faithful and regular worshipper is defined as someone who has attended church at least twice a month for at least one year prior to application.
Written evidence of applicants’ commitment to their place of worship (in the form of a clergy reference) will be required at the time of application. If an applicant has moved into the area within the last year, attendance at the previous church will be considered and a reference will be required from the minister there. Governors do not give higher priority to families where both parents worship.
If there are more than 11 applicants, places will be allocated according to the following criteria. These are stated in order of priority:
i) Looked after children or previously looked after children 1
ii) Children whose parents or carers are faithful and regular worshippers at one of the following churches:
St. Luke’s, West Norwood
Christ Church, Gipsy Hill
St. Peter’s, Streatham
Emmanuel, West Dulwich
All Saints, West Dulwich
iii) Children whose parents or carers live within in a mile of the school and are faithful and regular worshippers at a church other than the above but of a Christian denomination recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Evangelical Alliance or Churches for Christ in West Norwood.
iv) Children who will have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission. This includes stepbrothers and sisters, foster and adopted children living in the same household. 2
v) Children with an exceptional and professionally supported medical or social need for a place at this school. This must be supported by written evidence, e.g. from a doctor, social worker, or educational psychologist, which sets out reasons why this school is the most suitable school and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school. 3
vi) The nearness of the home to the school, measured by a straight line between the child’s home address and the school entrance on Linton Grove. 4
In the event that two or more applicants have equal right to a place under any of the above criteria, the Governing Body will apply the subsequent criteria, in order of priority, to these applicants. If applicants live equidistant from the school the Governing Body will draw lots to decide between applicants.
If there are less than 11 qualified applicants for foundation places, any unfilled places will become additional open places. Unsuccessful applicants for foundation places will be considered for any open places.
Open Places
The Governing Body has designated 10 places each year as open places, to be offered to pupils who do not qualify for a foundation place, but whose parents have chosen the school for the type of education it provides. Parents applying for an open place do so knowing that the school aims to provide an education based on Christian principles and, therefore, the Governing Body hopes that all pupils will take part in the Christian worship of the school and will attend religious education lessons.
If there are more than 10 applicants, places will be allocated according to the following criteria. These are stated in order of priority:
i) A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after 1
ii) Children with an exceptional and professionally supported medical or social need for a place at this school. This must be supported by written evidence, e.g. from a doctor, social worker, or educational psychologist, which sets out reasons why this school is the most suitable school and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school. 3
iii) Children of permanent staff at this school who have been employed at the school for two or more years at the time the application is made, and/or a member of staff who has been recruited to fill a post for which there was a demonstrable skills shortage (a maximum of 2 posts per admission year).
iv) Children who will have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission. This includes stepbrothers and sisters, foster and adopted children living in the same household. 2
v) The nearness of the home to the school, measured by a straight line between the child’s home address and the school entrance on Linton Grove.4
In the event that two or more applicants have equal right to a place under any of the above criteria, the Governing Body will apply the subsequent criteria, in order of priority, to these applicants. If applicants live equidistant from the school the Governing Body will draw lots to decide between applicants.
Waiting List
We operate a waiting list, where unsuccessful applications will be kept on file each year, in case a place is not taken up and therefore becomes available. Parents may request in writing to join the waiting list. If an application is received and a child is added to the waiting list, the list will be re-ranked in accordance with the oversubscription criteria.
Special Educational Needs
Parents/carers of pupils who have a statement of special education needs, or an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan are required to apply for school places separately through the local authority from whom advice is available. The governors will admit all those pupils whose statement or EHC Plan names St Luke’s Church of England Primary School. If a child with a statement, or EHC Plan, is placed in the school by the local authority before the normal admission round, the number of places available to other applicants will be reduced.
Appeal
There is no right of appeal for a nursery place.
Withdrawal of place
Any permanent withdrawal of a child from nursery will require 2 weeks written notice.
Notes
All 3 to 4 years olds in England can get 570 free hours per year. It is usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. The nursery is open for 38 weeks a year, the same as the school term. The Nursery will admit up to 21 children to each of the morning and afternoon sessions.
Some 3 to 4 year olds are eligible for 30 hours free childcare a week. You can get it from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday, if you are eligible.
Eligibility for the free extended 30-hours government funding can be checked on the London Borough of Lambeth’s website, https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/children-young-people-families/childcare-and-early-learning/free-early-learning-under-fives/free-early-learning-two-year-olds or alternatively on the Department for Education’s website, http://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk). Please be aware that a 30 hours offer is dependent on the presentation of a valid eligibility code, which will be verified by the school. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to provide the school with an eligibility code at the earliest opportunity. St Luke’s reserve the right to retract the offer of a ‘30-hours free childcare’ place if an eligibility code cannot be confirmed. In this instance, it may not be possible to offer an alternative 15 hour Nursery session.
Part of the 30-hour provision is the lunch time cover, which is not funded via the Government contribution. Parents pay for the staffing contingent of the 45-minute lunch time session at a cost of £4.00 per day. Please be aware that this amount is non-refundable and is payable even during times of absence. Parents are asked to provide their child with a packed lunch every day or pay for a school meal, as pupils in nursery are not entitled to Universal Free School Meals which is available for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.
Delayed entry
St Luke's admits children to the Reception class in the September of the school year in which a child attains the age of 5 years. (The school year runs from 1 September to the 31st August.) All parents/carers are entitled to a full-time place for their child in the Reception class from September and are strongly advised to accept this arrangement, but may delay entry until the beginning of the term after their child is five years old (i.e.), when the child reaches compulsory school age) or until the beginning of the summer term whichever is earlier. In exceptional circumstances, and in agreement with the school, children may attend part-time until their child reaches compulsory school age. Parents/carers who have been offered a place at the School and wish to delay for their child and/or attend part-time must put this in writing to the headteacher at the earliest opportunity and before the start of the autumn term. Decisions will be made by the Admissions Committee.
Children are educated in school with others of their age group. However, in exceptional circumstances parents/carers may choose to seek places outside of their child’s chronological year group eg. where a child would start reception at compulsory school age, rather than year 1 with their chronological peers.. Decisions will be made on the basis of the circumstances of each case and will be made by the Admissions Committee. Parents/carers must state clearly why they feel admission to a different year group is in the child's best interest and may provide recent professional evidence to support this. If delayed entry is agreed the application will be withdrawn and the parent/carer will need to apply again the following year. This does not guarantee a place for the child at St Luke's School, just that the application will be considered in the new cohort.
Definitions
- A ‘looked after child’ or a child who was previously looked after but immediately after being looked after became subject to an adoption, child arrangements, or special guardianship order including those who appear to the admission authority to have been in state care outside of England and ceased to be in state care as a result of being adopted. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority, or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions. An adoption order is an order under the Adoption Act 1976 and children who were adopted under the Adoption and Children Act 2002. A ‘child arrangements order’ is an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live under Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 as amended by Section 14 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Section 14A of the Children Act 1989 defines a ‘special guardianship order’ as an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian(s). For Looked After Children (LAC) or Previously Looked After Children (PLAC) a letter from your child’s social worker, or a copy of court papers must be submitted with the CAF by the deadline for the correct school’s admissions criterion to be given.
- Siblings – Children with a brother or sister who already attends the school, and who will not have left the school at the time of admission. As a result siblings in year 6 will not be regarded as a sibling under this criterion. A sibling is defined as a full/half/step brother or sister (who are living at the same address in all instances) or a child who is living as part of the family by reason of court order, or a child who has been placed with foster carers at that address as a result of being “looked after” by the council. However, children who are looked after under an agreed series of short-term placements (such as respite) will not be regarded as siblings under this criterion.
- Children with exceptional medical or social needs – This must be supported by written evidence at the time of application, eg, from a specialist health professional, social worker or other care professional. The evidence must set out the reasons why this school is the most suitable school and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school.
- Distance - The Local Authority’s admissions’ department will use a computerized mapping system to calculate distances of home from the school as the crow flies. This home to school distance measurement will be undertaken using a point from the child’s home address as identified by the software (which uses the Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG)) to a central point in the school’s grounds as profiled in the software). The home address is the address where the child resides. Where a child spends time with both parents/carers in separate homes and both have parental responsibility, the school will need to establish where the majority of school nights (Sunday to Thursday) are spent and treat that as the home address.
