Torbay Council is reminding parents with children who are due to start primary school in September 2016 that the deadline for applications for school places is Friday 15 January 2016.

Parents who have a child born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012 can either apply online at www.torbay.gov.uk/primary-school-admissions or complete a paper form, which is available from Connections offices, primary schools or can be requested by telephoning Torbay Children's Services on 01803 208908.

Information about starting primary school can be found in the free booklet called ‘TIPS 8, Primary and Secondary Admissions and primary supplement’. The booklet and supplement can be downloaded from the council’s website using the previous link and is also available in paper form.

Key information about the admissions process:

• Applications must be made on the common application form even if one or more preferences is for a school in Devon. Any previous application that parents may have made directly to a school will not be considered.

• Even if there is an older child at the preferred school or the child attends a nursery at the school parents must still apply for a school place using the common application form.

• Applications received after Friday 15 January 2016 will not be considered in the initial round of allocations.

• Parents will receive notification of what place has been allocated to their child on Monday 18 April 2016. These notifications will be either by email or letter, as requested by the parent.

Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Adults and Children, Councillor Julien Parrott, said: "I would urge all parents with children who are due to start primary school in September next year to apply for a school place now. The deadline for applications is only a week away and the quickest and easiest way for parents to apply is online. Torbay has a transparent and fair application system for primary schools admissions and this is fully explained in the TIPS booklet."

Torbay Council admissions officers are available to help parents through the admissions process. Parents can telephone 01803 208908 or email pupil.services@torbay.gov.uk