Support on hand for school transfer
Parents looking for support with the application process for secondary school can access help and advice from a local service.
Warwickshire County Council’s School Transfer Support Service is for families with children in year six who would like support to complete the secondary school parental preference forms.
Jo Bohler, School Transfer Co-ordinator, recognises that this can often be a difficult and stressful time for children and their parents, and her role is to dispel confusion by helping to make sense of the wealth of information available and address any concerns.
Jo said: “I am able provide information to enable parents and carers to make informed choices on their children’s education, and also to provide help in filling in application forms.
“To make these easier for parent’s I can talk to them over the phone or meet with them at their homes or other convenient location to talk through their options and explain the process.”
The service is currently working with families who have children transferring to secondary school in September 2009 in order to help them complete and return their applications before the closing date of 24 October 2008.
Since the inception of the School Transfer Support Service in April 2007, Jo has had contact with 398 parents, with 123 of these receiving in depth advice and support.
Last academic year Jo attended open evenings and drop in sessions at some of the primary and junior schools in order to meet parents and carers as well as offering advice and support over the phone and through home visits.
Through working in partnership with other county council service and parents, the reduced the number of non-applicants from 400 to 178 between November 2007 and January 2008.
Warwickshire County Councillor, Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said: “This valuable service helps ensure parents and carers are supported in accessing the best educational outcomes for their children.
“The figures from last year reveal what a difference support from the service has made by reducing non-applicants and offering much needed information and advice to a large number of families to influence informed choice.”
The School Transfer Support Service is part of the county council’s Family Information Service but has close working links with the county’s School Admissions Service.
For more information about the service or for assistance completing a 2009 application please contact Jo Bohler on 01926 74211 or email joannebohler@warwickshire.gov.uk