PARENTS are being encouraged to take advantage of the Christmas break to apply for their children’s primary school places.

Children are entitled to start school in the September after their fourth birthday, meaning parents of children born during the period 1 September 2012 and 31 August 2013 must apply for their reception places by 15 January 2017.

Applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered after all on-time applications, so Essex County Council is encouraging parents to use any spare time over the festive break to get them completed.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Starting school for the first time is a significant milestone in a child’s life and it is crucial that applications for school places are received on time to give parents the best chance of being considered for a school they want.

“While I appreciate the Christmas holidays can be busy for families, they can also be a perfect time to get things done away from the demands of normal everyday life.

“I would encourage any parents who haven’t already applied for their child’s primary school place to take advantage of the break and get their application submitted.”

Applications can be made online at www.essex.gov.uk/admissions

Parents are also encouraged to use all four of their preferences and use the website to search for the school information and check admissions criteria.