Parents and carers of children who are eligible to start primary school next year are being reminded to apply for their child's school place by the national closing date January 15 2021.

School places must be applied for if a child has their fourth birthday between September 1 2020 and August 31 2021.

Information and guidance about the application process in Rutland, together with details of how to apply, can be found online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/admissions.

Coun David Wilby, Cabinet Member for Education at Rutland County Council, said: "If your child is due to start primary school for the first time next year, it's important to submit your application before the national closing date.

"We would encourage you to read the admissions policies of schools you are interested in, and would strongly advise you to name more than one preferred school on your application.

"Naming just one school does not increase the chances of being offered a place there, as places are allocated according to the school's admission criteria. We look forward very much to welcoming you to the Rutland Education Team."

Rutland County Council has produced a short video to explain the school applications process and why it is important that parents and carers use all three preference options available to them.

The video can be watched online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/admissions.