Admissions
Thank you for your interest in joining our school community. We warmly welcome visits to our school as we beleieve that this is the best way for you to know if the school environment is right for your child. Please note the information below describes the process for applying for a place in our Foundation Stage Two, if you are looking for a place in our pre-school then please click on the tab at the top of the home page, "Pre-School".
How do I apply for a place at Dobcroft Infant School?
Dobcroft Infant School admissions follow the Sheffield Local Authority Policy and applications for a place at Dobcroft need to be directed to Primary Admissions for Sheffield. Information can be found on the Sheffield Council website, or by contacting Primary Admissions.
Website: Apply for a school place (sheffield.gov.uk)
Email: ed-admissions@sheffield.gov.uk
Telephone: 0114 273 5766
The Sheffield Council website provides a range of information for parents on the application process - please refer to the information on Reception and the Parent Guide for Entry to Primary.
What is the deadline for applications for Reception?
Applications are invited every Autumn term (mid September / early October) and the closing date for submitting applications is 15 January each year.
What if Dobcroft is oversubscribed?
In the case of oversubscription to a year group we apply criteria for primary schools as laid out by Sheffield City Council. The council's oversubscription criteria can be found here
https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/schools-childcare/catchment-areas-over-subscribed-schools
What if my child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?
You should apply through the admissions process described above, unless your child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. All children whose EHC plan names the school will be admitted before any other places are allocated.
Dobcroft Primary School will ensure it meets its duties under the Schools Admissions Code of Practice by:
- Not refusing admission for a child that has named the school in their EHC plan.
- Adopting fair practices and arrangements in accordance with the School Admission Code for the admission of children without an EHC plan.
- Considering applications from parents of children who have SEND but do not have an EHC plan.
- Not refusing admission for a child who has SEND but does not have an EHC plan because the school does not feel able to cater for those needs.
- Not refusing admission for a child on the grounds that they do not have an EHC plan.
What if I want my child to transfer to Dobcroft from another school?
The normal year for school entry applications is Reception. If you want to apply for a place at Dobcroft outside of this entry year you can apply to us from another school.
Please visit the Sheffield Council website for more information and refer to In Year Applications (school transfers).
Appeals
Families who have not been allocated a place at Dobcroft may appeal the Local Authority decision. Families can access further information from the Admissions team at Sheffield City Council (as per contact details above)
Appeals for in-year places are held all year round and should be heard within 30 days of the appeal being received by Sheffield City Council. Appeals for places in Foundation Stage 2 (Receptions) are generally held after the May Bank Holiday and will be heard within 40 days. Parents should receive at least 10 days notice from the Local Authority once and appeals hearing has been set. The council's criteria for appeals can be found here:
https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/schools-childcare/catchment-areas-over-subscribed-schools
Our full admissions policy can be found on our policies page.
A copy of the school's catchment area to date has been attached below for information.