Changes to school admissions

Four-year-olds could enter into full time education in two staggered intakes under new plans approved by the Royal Borough.

The rising fives policy is designed to simplify the school system and bring the borough in line with other regions of the UK by 2010.

Children are set to be admitted twice a year on September 1 and January 1 according to the council's decision. The rising fives policy will not be compulsory but parents should have the opportunity to send their children to school earlier if they wish to take it.

A formal public consultation period will now be carried out with schools and education authorities with a final decision expected before the end of this year.