My experience as a parent completing Admissions forms for my daughter

Once again, it’s that time of year when primary schools eagerly await fair ATF files from Local Authorities, containing vital information about new students joining for the upcoming academic year in September. Last year, I found myself navigating through this process with my daughter, Isabelle, as she prepared to embark on her schooling journey in September 2023. Currently, she has nearly completed her first year, with the summer term on the horizon.

Our experience with Isabel’s application wasn’t straightforward. At the time, we were residing in Leicestershire but planning a move to East Riding Yorkshire, with our house on the market. Uncertain about the timing, we applied through Leicestershire and secured a place at our local school. Meetings with Isabell’s prospective teachers ensued, accompanied by a mound of paperwork to ready us for September. This included basic information about us but also Isabelle’s interests and questions about her.

In June, we sold our house and luckily found our future home. We managed to visit my daughter’s potential new school with a brief tour due to timing constraints, leaving us unable to participate in trial sessions. Consequently, we had to wait until September to begin preparing Isabel’s paperwork, resulting in some oversights, such as consenting for a Flu jab and knowing all the information such as login details for ParentPay.

Considering this, it dawned on me, especially given my work with an Applicaa, how much smoother the process could be with an online application system consolidating all necessary details and policies. Such a system would eliminate the risk of oversights and streamline paperwork, saving workload and making it easier and quicker for everyone.

Reflecting on our experience, I acknowledge my less-than-stellar handwriting, which often necessitated my wife’s assistance in filling out forms. An online system would eradicate such concerns, ensuring clarity and accuracy in responses, with direct integration into the school’s Management Information System (MIS) to minimise clerical errors.

Imagine the relief for schools, particularly during the hectic September period, if all student information, including dietary and medical requirements, could be swiftly uploaded into the MIS with a click of a button. This centralised data would not only facilitate administrative tasks but also enhance other systems reliant on MIS data, such as communications.

It’s a notion worth considering. Many of my colleagues are former teachers who understand the challenges schools face firsthand and advocate for the benefits of our services. So, please get in touch today, and let’s explore how we can alleviate some of the burdens associated with admissions and administrative tasks.