PARENTS are being encouraged to apply for their child’s first year of primary school.
Applications for Reception places in Halton for the 2027/28 academic year are now open, and Halton Borough Council is urging families to start preparing their children for school.
Councillor Tom McInerney, executive board member for children and young people, said: "Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and their families and being school ready gives children the best possible foundation for learning and development.
"School readiness is not something that happens overnight.
"The experiences children have in their early years play a huge role in helping them develop the confidence, communication skills and independence they need when they start Reception.
"We have made a significant investment in support for families across Halton and would encourage parents and carers to make the most of the advice, activities and services available through Family Hubs, health services and local early years providers.
"If your child is due to start school in September 2027, please remember to apply for their Reception place before the deadline."
Children born between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023 will start school in September 2027.
Halton Borough Council and Halton Family Hubs are reminding parents that school readiness goes far beyond knowing the alphabet or counting.
It involves communication, emotional management, independence, and social skills, in addition to basic literacy and numeracy.
Halton is supporting families through a £4.4 million government-funded scheme designed to help children under five get the best start in life, with a focus on speech and language, parent-infant relationships, and school readiness.
This support is delivered through Halton’s Family Hubs, which offer a range of services and activities for families with young children.
Parents are also encouraged to seek advice from nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, or health visitors about preparing their child for school.
Additional information and tips are available on the national Starting Reception website.
Applications opened in September 2026.
The deadline for applications is January 15, 2027.
National Offer Day, when parents will find out which school their child has been allocated, is April 16, 2027.
The deadline for submitting appeals is May 18, 2027.
Parents and carers can apply online via the Halton Borough Council website and are encouraged to do so as early as possible.
For information on school admissions, visit the Halton Borough Council website.
For advice on school readiness, family support, and activities, visit the Halton Family Hubs website.
The Starting Reception website also offers practical tips and activities to help children prepare for their first day at school.
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