Getting your child into the right primary school is an issue many parents worry about. Hilary Pereira offers advice on how to go about making the right choice

It pays to do your research early when it comes to choosing a primary school as there may be more to consider that you first think. For example, even if your child attends a nursery attached to your preferred school, you will still have to make an independent application.

When and how to start
By law, your child must be in full-time education by the start of the term following his fifth birthday. Many Local Education Authorities (LEA), however, offer reception places on a part-time basis from the September after a child's fourth birthday. You should obtain an Information for Parents booklet from your LEA and return the completed school preference form to them or to the school's governing body (in the case of voluntary aided or foundation schools) no later than mid-October of the year before your child will start.

You'll need to set the wheels for this in motion yourself as it's your responsibility and you won't receive a reminder. If you suspect there may be a waiting list for your preferred school, make enquiries as soon as you can. You won't be able to submit your application any sooner, but the school itself may look more favourably on it if you're already 'on the list'. Your LEA will be able to let you know which schools are in your catchment area or you can check for yourself at www.direct.gov.uk

Drawing up a shortlist
You have the right to choose which school you want your child to attend, even if it is not in your catchment area. If you do opt for a school outside of your area, however, bear in mind that a common selection criterion is your proximity to the school (see also Making your application, below). You and your child will also benefit from shorter journeys to and from school if you choose within your area, and your child will be more able to make friends with children in your neighbourhood, which will mean greater opportunities for meeting up outside school hours.

Planning a visit
To get a true flavour of each school, and as a critical part of your research, it's important to make an appointment to visit them all. A well managed visit may also help to dispel any preconceptions you may have had about a particular school. Positive signs to look out for include:

• a warm welcome from the headteacher and other staff
• staff showing an interest in you and your child as individuals
• a busy, but not hectic atmosphere
• children happily absorbed in their work
• children's work on display
• clean, up-to-date facilities
• well kept, spacious play areas
• security measures in place
• manageable class sizes (no more than 30 in a class)

Many schools are happy for you to visit twice: once on your own and once with your child.

Making your application
Check out the admissions criteria for each school before submitting your application. Different schools may have quite different criteria, especially if you are hoping to get your child into a church school. You can find these online at www.direct.gov.uk under each individual school. Some examples of admissions criteria include:

• whether your child has a sibling already attending the school
• your proximity to the school
• whether your child has special needs
• for faith schools, evidence of commitment to the particular faith served by the school

Check with your LEA of the school's governing body for the closing dates for applications. These may also vary from school to school. A decision will usually be given in the March following application.

Appealing against a refusal
If your first choice of school turns your child down for a place, you have a legal right to appeal. Appeals are usually held during June and July. Your case will be reviewed by an independent panel set up either through your LEA or the school's governing body, who will first decide whether or not the school's grounds for refusal are sound. If the panel feels it is appropriate, you will be given the opportunity to put your reasons forward for wanting your child to attend. A final decision will then be made.

Accepting a school place
If your child is eligible for a place at more than one of your listed schools, you will be offered a place at the school ranked highest in preferential order on your application. If none of your selected schools can offer a place, your LEA is obliged to find a place for your child elsewhere. You must accept an offer of a school place formally within a pre-agreed timescale. If you fail to meet this deadline, you are at risk of losing the place.

About Ofsted inspections
Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) is a non-ministerial government department which is accountable to Parliament. Each year, every school and childminding facility undergoes an Ofsted inspection to assess how well it is performing. It is then awarded an overall grade of either 'outstanding', 'good', 'satisfactory' or 'inadequate'. You can find the most recent inspection report for each of your shortlisted schools by contacting Ofsted on 08456 404045 or at www.ofsted.gov.uk