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Q 1
I’m moving into the
If you are moving into the
Q 2
How do I apply for the Necessitous Clothing Grant?
As of the 1st April 2007, Bournemouth Borough Council no longer has a clothing grant scheme.
Schools now decide whether to provide a clothing grant scheme for their own pupils. Schools are therefore responsible for setting and administering their own clothing policy, should they choose to have one. For further information, please contact your child’s school.
Q 3
My child is unhappy at his/her school. I would like to transfer him/her to another School in
If you wish your child to change school for any reason, you should first speak to the headteacher of your child’s current school to discuss any concerns that you may have. This authority firmly believes that continuity and stability in a child’s education is very important and that a change of school should only be made if it is deemed to be in your child’s best interests. If after speaking to the headteacher you still wish your child to transfer schools, forms are available from the school or the Children's Information Service. You can email the Children's Information Service or telephone (01202) 456223, alternatively visit the service at the Council's Customer Service Centre, Town Hall, St.Stephen's Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6EB for the appropriate form and guidance on the procedure.
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Q 4
I am going to be studying full time at University next year towards a degree. Can you tell me how I get a student loan and help with my tuition fees?
Unfortunately, the Local Authority will no longer be supporting new students with their funding applications as this function has now been transferred to the Student Loan Company. You can further obtain information from the Student Loan Company on 0845 300 5090.
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Q 5
I have a child of 18 months. I need to go back to work either full time or part time to help pay for my childcare costs. Where can I obtain information regarding childcare, I would prefer to send my child to a nursery if possible?
The Children’s Information Service can offer you information on local childcare provision in the
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Q 6
My child has a Special Educational Need. He has been statemented, and I would like to know what support is available for him?
There is a lot of support available for all children with Special needs. Depending on the needs of the child, support can be given through a range of services:
Psychology and Behaviour Support Services
Learning Support Service
Hearing and Vision Support Service
Speech and Language Therapy Services
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services
Specialist equipment and materials are provided where there is an identified need.
For further information please contact:
The
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Q 7
How do I apply for Free School Meals?
Application forms for Free School Meals are available from the
You may be required to provide up-to-date evidence of the benefit(s) you receive, i.e. no more than 3 months old. If you are applying under the Child Tax Credit criteria you must provide a copy of the full notification letter.
Q 8
How can I apply for help with Transport to school?
To apply for help with transport to school, you need to complete an application form which is available from the Children's Information Service on (01202) 456223, or alternatively visit the service at the Council's Customer Service Centre, Town Hall, St.Stephen's Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6EB. It is only in some cases that the Local Authority can offer help. To be eligible for assistance with transport to school you have to meet a certain criteria. This criteria is stated on the information sheet provided with the application form.
The form needs to be completed and returned to the Admissions Team, Town Hall, Floor E3, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY.
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Q 9
I would like to educate my child at home. What is the procedure I need to take?
If you have chosen this route of education for your child/ren, there are procedures that have to be followed. You need to register with the Local Authority. The registration form is available from the
Please also download this booklet - Elective Home Education (EHE) (315kb) PDF which contains information for parents/carers and is designed to help you understand what may be involved if you decide (or have already decided) to educate your child outside the school system. It has been put together to explain some of the situations which may arise, and the policies of the Local Authority (LA).
If you have further questions about educating children other than at school, please contact the LA’s Admissions Services Team, who can be contacted on (01202) 456200.
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Q 10
I have not been offered the school place I wanted. What can I do?
If you are unsuccessful in your application for a school place, you have the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel for a place at the school. Full and detailed information about the appeal process, including a leaflet, is available from the
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Q 11
Can you tell me where I can obtain the latest Ofsted reports and performance tables?
Reports can be obtained through the Ofsted website. If you do not have access to the internet your local library will. You can obtain performance tables from the
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Q 12
My child is being bullied at school, what can I do?
Firstly you need to discuss the problem with the headteacher of your child’s school who should be able to help you. If you are not happy with the outcome after you have discussed the problem you can speak to the Education Social Worker of the school or to the Education Welfare Department at the Council on (01202) 456179.
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Q 13
I’m an adult and I would like to return to education and develop my IT skills. Where can I get some information?
The Adult Learning Centre will be able to offer a variety of courses available for you to study IT. You can contact them on (01202) 451 950 and they will be able to give you any relevant information. They offer evening classes and daytime classes. The Bournemouth and Poole College will also have courses available and you can obtain information and advice from them on (01202) 205205/747600.
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Q 14
My child would like to work during the summer holidays for a bit of extra pocket money. I believe she will need a work permit. Where can I apply for one of these?
You can obtain a work permit application form via the
Q 15
What is the minimum age I can leave my child at home on their own?
There is no minimum age that your child can be left at home on their own. It is the parents/guardians decision of whether they think their child is mature enough to be left at home on their own. When making the decision, parents must be aware that if their child is left at home on their own and an accident occurs they maybe challenged regarding their decision.
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Q 16
My child will be turning three next month. He attends a nursery in
The Early Education Funding is funding provided by the Government to ensure that pre-school children have access to good quality early years education. Nationally all four year olds are funded, three year old funding will depend on each local authorities distribution of the grant.
All children living in
The child is entitled to five free 2 ½ hour sessions of early education per week for 38 weeks per year.
Parents need to complete a form which can be obtained through the nursery their child attends.
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Q 17
I would like to apply for a school outside of the Borough. How can I do this?
To apply for a school outside of the
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Q 18
Please can you tell me the term and holiday dates for the next year?
The school term and holiday dates are available from the
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Q 19
My child is starting 6 th Form college in September. Is there any funding available?
Discretionary Funds are available from Bournemouth Borough Council to provide financial help to students who are in the greatest need. You will be required to meet specific criteria, details of which and an application form are available from the
Your child may also be eligible to receive the government funding called Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA.) Please visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema for information or telephone them 0800 121 8989.
Q 20
I would like to become a childminder in the
Please contact the Childcare Recruitment helpline (01202) 456 393 who will send you the necessary information, discuss details with you and advise the date of the next pre-registration course.
Q 21
I am worried about how I can help my children get to and from school each day.
The Authority can help in some cases. The information on this page 'Help With Transport Costs?' will give you advice about who can claim for assistance with transport to school.
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Where can I find information about the various key stages test dates?
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website maintains and develops the national curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations; and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work.
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| Contact details | |
|---|---|
| Bournemouth Council | |
| Children's Information Service | |
| Customer Service Centre, Town Hall, St Stephen's Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH2 6EB |
|
| Tel: 01202 456223 | |
| Fax: 01202 456191 | |
| Email: Children & Families Services | |