87% of families applying for a reception class place

This year 87% of families applying for a reception class place in Lambeth were allocated to one of the schools that they preferred. Demand for places in West Norwood is very high and some families have not been allocated a place at one of their preferred schools.
For 2009/10 school year there will be 16 permanent forms of entry at Crown Lane 2, Elmwood 1, Hitherfield 2, Julians 1, Kingswood 3, Paxton 1, Rosendale 3, St Lukes 1 & Sunnyhill 2 schools. This year temporary extra forms of entry have been provided at Crown Lane, Hitherfield & Rosendale.
The closing date for accepting reception places was 8th May . Once these are processed it will be clear which schools have vacancies. Croydon are waiting to clarify their waiting lists but may have places at Downsview School and Kensington Avenue School.
For parents without a place for their child at their first preference school this is a very stressful time. Its important that the council provides advice to parents and I have arranged a meeting on Thursday 21st May at Nettlefold Hall 7pm( above the Library on Norwood High Street ) so parents who may have questions or concerns about primary school places in West Norwood can speak directly to council staff with responsibility for school admissions. Hopefully there will be information available on Thursday on vacancies and waiting lists.
There are plans to create extra places in 2010/11 and in future years.