PARENTS and carers of children starting school this September don’t have long to get their applications in.

The closing date for children born between September 1 2012 and August 31 2013, is Sunday, January 15.

For a place in the reception class at a chosen York state primary school, parents and carers can apply online at www.york.gov.uk/schooladmissions

While York has enough primary school places now and for the future for all known primary school children in York, there are areas which are oversubscribed. Residents living in the Holgate or South Bank areas are asked to consider a number of schools to apply for and to be aware that being allocated their first choice might be less likely than previous years.

In addition, all eligible parents and carers are encouraged to apply for free school meals if they receive one or more of the following income-related benefits:

• Income Support

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Universal Credit

• Child Tax Credit combined with both a household income below £16,190, and not in receipt of any Working Tax Credit

• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Guarantee element of state Pension Credit.

The Government will give £1,300 every year for each primary school pupil and £965 for each secondary school student eligible for the Pupil Premium as well as a free school meal, should they choose to have one.

This sum, known as the Pupil Premium, is paid to the school whether or not the pupil takes up the school meal and is used to help the pupil do even better with their schoolwork. All applications are treated confidentially and can be made through the school or online at www.york.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Cllr Stuart Rawlings, executive member for education, said: “I would urge any parent or carer who has not yet applied for a place to apply sooner rather than later.

“It is important that everyone who might meet the criteria applies as the extra funding will be invaluable to their child’s education.”

“We will let applicants know which school their child has a place at on 18 April 2017.” For further help and information contact school services at West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA, call 01904 551554 or email education@york.gov.uk