Admissions
Why do our parents choose St Hild's?
NURSERY
We would love to welcome you and your child into our St Hild's community.
To arrange a visit or to find out more information, please contact the school office.
sthilds@durhamlearning.net
If you have been notified that you're eligible for a free 2 year old 'Play and Learn' place or think your child may be eligible, please inform the school office.
To find out more information or to check your eligability, follow the link below.
https://www.durham.gov.uk/playandlearn
From April 2024, childcare support is expanding!
If you do not meet the criteria for a free 2 year old 'Play and Learn' place at the moment and are a working family, you maybe eligible for 15 hours per week from April 2024.
Follow the link below to find up to date information about the options available now and 'coming soon' for children aged 2-4.
https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
School Admissions
St Hild’s College C.E Aided Primary School has an admissions limit of 30 pupils per class from Reception to Year 6. All children have the opportunity to Shine Bright.
As we offer both Nursery and 2 Year Old places, children have the opportunity to start their learning from an excellent starting point with both experienced and skilled staff.
Parents/carers are always welcome to telephone the school office to arrange a suitable time to call in and have a look around and collect your admission forms. Alternatively, these forms can be posted out upon request.
School Office:
0191 384 7451
Equally, more information can be found by visiting the Durham County Council website for more information regarding the admission process, primary school admissions and to appeal against a decision.
New admission policy 2023 - 2024 (draft) - currently open to consultation
Nursery Admissions
Session options
From September 2024, places will be available via one of the following options.
- 30 hours full days
- 15 hours mornings
- 15 hours afternoons
- 15 hours start of the week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning)
- 15 hours end of the week (Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday).
Free Early Years Services for 3 and 4 Year Olds
All 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to free, part-time early learning, care and development. It lasts for up to 2 years, until children reach statutory school age.
Some 3 and 4 year olds in England are entitled to free, full-time (30hours) early learning, care and development.
Visit the following link to find out if your child is eligible. https://www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare?utm_source=childcarechoices&utm_medium=microsite
When does my child qualify?
You can apply for your for your funding code from when your child is 2 years and 36 weeks old.
| When your child turns 3 | When they can get 30 hours from | Recommended time to apply |
|---|---|---|
1 September to 31 December | Term starting on or after 1 January | 15 October to 30 November |
1 January to 31 March | Term starting on or after 1 April | 15 January to 28 February |
1 April to 31 August | Term starting on or after 1 September | 15 June to 31 July |
Free Play and Learn for 2 Year Olds (formerly known as 'Golden Ticket' places)
St Hild’s CE Primary School currently offer free ‘Play and Learn’ places to families with eligible 2 year old children. Free Play and Learn for 2 year olds is a free childcare place initiative enabling 2 year olds to access local childcare.
To find out if you are eligible, visit https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds.
How do I apply?
If you have received a letter informing you that you're eligible for a funded place, please bring this into nursery.
If you didn’t receive a letter, visit https://education.durham.gov.uk/SynergyWeb/Parents/default.aspx where you can instantly check whether you are eligible. If you are eligible you will receive an email with your eligibility code. Please bring this code to nursery. Some parents cannot check their eligibility on the Parent Portal. You will need to contact the Childcare Places team on 03000 268 913 for an application form if the children are:
- Looked after by the council.
- Have a current statement of special educational needs or an Educational, Health and Care plan.
- Have left care through special guardianship or an adoption or residence order.
- Are in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance.
If you don’t have access to a computer or need help to apply, please contact the school office on 0191 384 7451.
Applying for a school place at St Hild's CE Primary School if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Children and young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) follow a different admission and transfer process for a new school, however parents should continue to complete Durham County Council’s parental preference form as part of the admission process to a new school. You continue to have a right to request a particular school and this will be considered alongside the information that we have about your child’s special educational needs. The information would have been provided as part of the Education, Health and Care assessment or following the review meeting and this information should be shared with the new school as soon as possible.
We are committed to meeting the needs of all children including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Before starting St Hild's, we would ask parents of children with SEND to discuss their child's identified needs with the Head Teacher and SENCO so that appropriate intervention and support can be planned and implemented to support the transition process. Advice from the LA or other agencies may be requested to ensure that we can meet any needs your child has.