Frequently Asked Questions
Details
Can I apply for a place in a local authority nursery after February?
Yes, and you will be notified of the outcome in May. If a place is not available your child's name will be added to a waiting list.
Can I apply to a local authority nursery outwith the catchment area of my local school?
Yes you can, but priority will be given to children who live within the local school catchment area. Please contact the relevant school to find out what the catchment area is.
School Meals - Can you provide me with information on Free School Meals?
Yes. Please see the School Meals page.
How do I know if I qualify for help with school meals and school clothing?
You can claim free school meals for your children if you are receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Child Tax Credit where no award of Working Tax Credit has been made and your annual income is less than £13,480.
- If you are aged between 16 and 18, at school and receive these benefits in your own right, you can claim free school meals for yourself.
- You may also be eligible if you are an asylum seeker and receive support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Children become entitled to a clothing grant if they are in regular attendance at school and their parents are in receipt of one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Rebate
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Please Note: Changes to the Benefits System is likely to affect the criteria set out above for claiming free school meals and/or clothing grants e.g. annual income.
How can I find out how my local school did in national exams last year?
This information is published in the local papers once a year and is reproduced in the school's own handbook. For a full list of schools and their addresses see Schools and Education Centres.
How do I become a member of my local School Board?
The Headteacher will be able to inform you whether or not the school has a board. All parent's have the right to stand for election to the board, provided they are nominated.
How do I enrol my child at school in Aberdeen City?
It is the duty of parents to ensure that their child is educated. Where a parent wishes to enrol his/her child in a particular school, an approach should be made to the Headteacher of that school who should be able to give an immediate answer to any enquiry.
How do I find a pre-school place for my child?
If you are resident in Aberdeen City you can apply for a place during January and February at the local authority nursery of your choice. Application forms and further information will be available from the school.
If you want a funded place at a partner provider centre, you should contact the centre directly to negotiate a place. The centre will provide you with an application form for funding.
How do I find a pre-school place for my child?
If you are resident in Aberdeen City you can apply for a place during January and February at the local authority nursery of your choice. Application forms and further information will be available from the school.
If you want a funded place at a partner provider centre, you should contact the centre directly to negotiate a place. The centre will provide you with an application form for funding.
A list of providers in partnership with the council can be obtained from the Pre-School Education Team, Summerhill Centre, Stronsay Drive, Aberdeen AB15 6JA Tel. 01224 346215
My child has special educational needs. What help is available at school?
Considerable Special Educational Needs provision is available within the city including support for learning in the classroom, specialised bases within establishments, specialised educational services and free standing special schools. See Also Accessibility Strategy (Information)
How much will it cost me to send my child to nursery?
Places at local authority nurseries are free. The local authority will pay £1047 per annum towards the cost of a place at a partner provider centre. Many partner providers offer extended daycare with pre-school education as a package but parents will be charged at the centre's own rates for the wraparound hours.
What are the hours in a local authority nursery?
Most nursery places are part-time. This is the equivalent to five morning or five afternoon sessions per week ( 2 ½ hours per day ). Full time places are available at some nurseries ( 5 hours per day ).
What is inclusion?
Inclusion is an operational principle that has been adopted by Aberdeen City Council.All pupils will normally be educated at their local school. This principle implies minimal use of exclusion, support for schools in containing difficult pupils and more local schools accommodating pupils with special educational needs.
What is pre-school education?
Pre-school education is a very important stage in a child's development where children learn as they play. A good quality pre-school experience builds on the valuable learning that takes place in and around the home, lays the foundations for lifelong learning and prepares children to start primary school.
What precautions are schools taking to prevent unauthorised access by strangers?
Improved access prevention measures have been installed in all schools in Aberdeen.
Primary and special schools have electronically-controlled door entry systems and secondary schools have a mixture of door entry, external gates and TV surveillance.
When are the school holidays?
Please see School Term and Holiday Dates 2008 - 2010
When can my child start pre-school education?
Children can access places at local authority nurseries from age three. Funded places in all other sectors are available in the school term following the child's third birthday.
When will I hear if my child has a place at a local authority nursery?
If you apply for a place for a pre-school child during January and February, you will be notified in March. If you apply for a place for a child with two years before starting primary school you will be notified in May.
Where are my local primary and secondary schools?
This depends on your normal permanent residential address. Contact Neighbourhood Services North, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Balgownie 1, Conference Way, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8AQ Tel. 01224 814563.
