What are the Criteria used to Allocate Places at Community Primary, Infant and Junior Schools?

We welcome applications from all members of the local community.

The school admissions policy is in line with the London Borough of Enfield procedures.

Admissions criteria can be found in the Enfield Starting School Booklet.
A summary of criteria for admissions is as follows:

1. Children with social, medical or special educational needs
2. Siblings
3. Distance from the school (as the crow flies)

Hazelwood has three parallel reception classes. Reception children start coming in to school about two weeks after the other children. They join the school on different days over a period of 2 weeks so that we can concentrate on the needs of small groups of new joiners at a time.

You will find that we will - as far as is practicable - place your child with his or her friends in a class which contains a balanced mix of ages and sexes.

Our admission procedures are based on the educational needs of the children. Details are given at the meeting for new parents. We encourage you to stay with your child when they first come to school to help them to settle. Later, if you are not sure about when to stay and when to go, talk to the class staff about it and, between you, you will be able to work out what’s best for your child.

Children normally transfer from the Infant school to the link Junior school automatically and it is not necessary for parents to apply for a place. In these cases, children who are attending the link infant school will take priority over all children wanting admission to year 3 in the appropriate junior school. If, however, you want your child to be considered for an alternative junior or primary school, the criteria detailed below will be used to determine your child’s priority for admission.

Applications for admission at any time other that at the beginning of Reception or Year 3 will be considered using the criteria detailed above. Please note that should you wish your child to transfer to another school, you must discuss this with your child’s present Headteacher.

Arrangements for admission of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities:

If your child has Special Educational Needs, as identified under the Code of Practice, you should involve the appropriate professionals in any discussions over choice of school.
Children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs that names a school are required to be admitted to that school. The Admission Authority (even when it is the Governing Body) does not have a right to refuse admission. Children with Statements naming schools count toward the admission number.

If your child has special needs but not a Statement your application for a school place will be considered on the basis of the Local Authority schools’ published admission criteria.

If your child has a disability he/she will be treated no less favourably than other applicants for admission. Schools are under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that pupils with disabilities are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. The Local Authority is now required to have an accessibility strategy and all schools an accessibility plan outlining proposals to improve physical access, access to the curriculum and access to written information.

The Schools’ Accessibility Plan is available to view at the school office.

If my child is not offered a place, can I appeal?

Yes, you have the right of appeal, but every effort will be made to try and offer your child a place at a school that you want. If this does not happen, you will be given full information about the appeals procedure when you are notified of the outcome of your application.

Appeals are considered by an independent appeal panel. As well as completing an appeal form when you register your appeal, you will be given an opportunity to discuss your appeal in person with members of the panel.