Gateshead Council's Sandra Arkless can provide a wide range of assistance on everything from information about schools to help with filling out school choice application forms.
With the secondary school admissions process now underway parents in Gateshead are being reminded they can access the help of a dedicated school choice adviser to help understand the whole process.
Starting secondary school can be a daunting time for children and parents, so impartial, independent advice on the whole process of applying for school places can be a huge asset.
Many parents across the country are now aware of the pressures on school places and this makes it even more important that people apply to the local authority in the right way and in good time.
Funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) the choice advice service is totally independent of the local authority and offers a host of guidance to parents.
Sandra Arkless runs the service in Gateshead and can provide a wide range of assistance on everything from information about schools to help with filling out the application forms. She said:
“I can help and empower parents to make an informed and realistic choice about the secondary schools in Gateshead.
“I am totally independent of the council, which is responsible for allocating school places, and I am here to help parents understand the process and make the best choices.
“I can help parents in Gateshead who have children starting secondary school for the first time by giving them the information and confidence to make the right choices.”
The service can help and advise parents on:
· School admissions policy.
· School performance and how schools are rated by inspectors.
· Term times.
· Filling out forms.
· Transport policy.
· School uniforms.
· The refusal and appeals process.
The system is now in its second year and is proving a vital tool for parents and Gateshead Council alike. Not only did Sandra help countless parents make the right school choices in 2008, but the number of outstanding late applications dropped by around 70%.
To contact the service call 0191 4332446 or email Sandra directly at sandraarkless@gateshead.gov.uk