SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION FOR 5-16 YEARS OF AGE

All children between the ages of 5 and 16 years old must attend school by law in the UK. State education is free and available to all children. 


The school year is divided into three terms, starting in September and ending the following July.  Girls and boys are usually taught together, and the class they join will be decided by their age and not their previous learning. There may be several classes in the same age range making a Year Group.


Children will have progress tests to assess progress and to assist them with appropriate teaching at ages 7, 11 and 14. At the end of each school year (July) you will receive a report on the work your child has done. There will be an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with the teachers at a Parents Evening.


Finding a School
The first step is to find a school.  This will depend on your child’s age and the schools available in the area where you live. 


‘ASK’ provides a service to assist parents with finding a school for their children.  Telephone 08457585072 (English only).  You can also find information on their website
www.askwiltshire.org

They will let you know what schools are available in your area and assist you in making decisions, and in filling in the forms to apply for places in the schools.

Wiltshire Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS)
EMAS works with teachers in schools to support the education of pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds.

EMAS has Teaching Assistants who are Polish and who can spend time in schools to assist with communication between pupils, the school, and the family.  This service is free and available on request by the school.  If you need assistance in communicating with a school for any reason, you can ask the school to contact EMAS to assist you.


EMAS is also concerned with equality in regard to race, religion and culture in schools.  It provides resources and gives advice and training to teachers.  

For more information visit the website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/language-and-cultural-support .


Information
For all information on schools, including opening times, performance tables, maps, facilities etc you can also visit the website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/education-and-learning or
www.askwiltshire.org


You can also get assistance from your local Citizens Advice Bureau (See Useful Contacts and Advice section).