When does my child start School?

By law your child must start school in the term following their fifth birthday. In West Sussex children may start before this date i.e. in the September of the academic year in which their fifth birthday falls. Normally they will start in the academic year of their fifth birthday.  This may be on a part-time basis initially.

You may feel that starting school in September is too early for your child. This might be because you would prefer your child to remain at a pre-school group, playgroup or in a nursery school. Whether your child stays in a nursery, pre-school or playgroup or moves on to reception, the learning experience is the same as all children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum from birth until they leave reception class. You may defer admission until the start of the spring or summer term as long as the law is obeyed. However, you must still complete and return the application form in the usual way.

When you have received the offer of a place at a school, you may wish to take the opportunity to discuss your child’s start date, for example, you may prefer your child to continue at nursery whilst deferring the part time terms. In this instance the school will hold your child’s school place asking you to indicate your preference in writing, in order that a place is reserved.

Meetings are arranged for parents and children starting school before they are admitted. We organise group visits of different kinds – open morning, story times, home visits and a class experience in school before their starting date, so that your child can meet his/her teacher before he/she joins us.

Limits on Infant Class Sizes

All classes, where most children are aged 7 or under, are limited to 30 pupils with a single teacher, other than in a few special cases. Places will be allocated at primary schools to comply with this law.

Starting School - Admission Arrangements

When a child starts school for the first time (i.e. in the Reception Class), admissions to East Preston Infant School are handled by the Admissions Office of the Local Education Authority.

For Children Starting School in September 2025

At the beginning of October, information will be sent in the post to parents of all children on the West Sussex database born between 01/09/2020 and 31/08/2021 advising them how to apply online. The closing date for applications is 15th January 2025. Parents who apply online will receive an email on 16th April 2025 advising which school their child has been offered, followed by a letter.
We will be holding Open Mornings for prospective parents whose children are due to start school in September 2025.  The dates for these are as follows:-
Thursday 24th October - 9.30am - 10.30am or 10.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday 12th November - 9.30am - 10.30am or 10.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday 14th January - 9.30am - 10.30am or 10.30am - 11.30am
Please contact the school office via secretary@epinf.co.uk or telephone 01903 773177 to book onto one of the tours as we limit numbers for each session.

In-Year Admissions

Transfers to East Preston Infant School from another school are also handled by the Admissions office at Centenary House, Durrington. You are welcome to contact the school office staff for information on place availability.

Applications Must Be Made To:

Education Office (South)
Bridge House
Barrington Road
Goring by Sea
Worthing
West Sussex
BN12 4SE

Telephone: 0330 2223444

For Further Information:

admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk