Enrolling your Child in School
In line with local and national policy children all children who will reach the age of five on or before the start of the new school session on 19th August 2024 should start primary school in August 2024. Children who reach the age of five after the start of the new school session in August 2024, but before the last day of February 2025 may also be enrolled for primary school in August 2024. Enrolment takes place in January each year. Enrolment dates are published in the local press and notices will be displayed on school and nursery noticeboards. Parents/Carers who wish to enrol their children in Holy Family should apply online at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk and follow the links. Please note you will need to upload your child’s Birth Certificate and proof of address. As Holy Family is a denominational school your child’s Baptismal Certificate is required also unless you are applying for an out of zone place.
All children are admitted to primary school on a phased basis.
Deferred entry to school
Children who are resident in Aberdeen City, and whose fifth birthday falls between 19th August 2024 and the end of February 2025, will automatically be entitled to an additional year of funded ELC if parents or carers wish.
For those who may be considering deferring their child’s entry to primary 1, it may be helpful to discuss this with key staff in your child’s ELC setting who are currently supporting your child’s learning journey. ELC settings can share a copy of the Deferred Entry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) leaflet. Parents or carers simply need to apply in the usual way for an ELC place as a continuer to secure their place in ELC for a further year.
You should also discuss this with staff in your child’s Early Learning and Childcare setting at the earliest opportunity who can advise you further.
All other classes
Pupils can be accepted for all other classes at any time throughout the year, whether or not they live within the catchment area of the school, provided there is a place available at that stage. Those not resident in the catchment area must complete an out-of-zone placing request.
At Holy Family we ensure that children enrolling during the year are introduced in a caring and sensitive way. A visit will be arranged if possible before your child’s starting day in order to familiarise your child with the school and meet their new teacher and classmates.
Visits of Prospective Parents
All prospective parents are welcome to visit the school/ nursery. After making a Placing Request parents are invited into the school and/or nursery where they will meet with the Senior Leadership team and be given a tour of the school. This would be an opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any particular needs of your children.
A start date will be provided once all relevant paperwork and forms have been completed.
Pre-school Education Entitlement
At Holy Family we have one nursery class with a capacity of 20.
Entry into our nursery can be made in line with Aberdeen City Council Nursery Admissions Policy and states a child may start nursery in the school term after his/her third birthday.
The Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000 defines the three school terms as follows:
Autumn Term: August to December.
Spring Term: January-March
Summer Term: April to July
Children in their immediate pre-school year are entitled to a whole year of pre-school education. Children in their ante-pre-school year are entitled to a place in the school term following their third birthday.
Applying for a Nursery Place
If you wish your child to attend a local authority nursery class, a place can be applied for via the Aberdeen City Council website in the January following your child's 2nd birthday.
The council also commissions pre-school education from private independent and voluntary sector pre-school education providers. If you wish to access a place at one of these pre-school centres, you should contact the provider of your choice to negotiate a place.