The Inclusion Showcase

Tameside Choice Advice Service

Who is your service aimed at?

The primary aim of the service is to support parents who may for various reasons have difficulty in navigating the school admissions system. The service aims to help parents make informed and realistic preferences of which school to apply for in the best interest of their child/children by offering impartial support, information and guidance. Tameside Choice Advice Service can support any parent experiencing difficulty with the admissions system, but the DCFS have highlighted target groups they wish the service to engage with (see extract from guidance below)

• Find it difficult to engage with the current primary school; or
• Experience problems with their own reading and writing; or
• Are parents of children in care; or
• Have English as an additional language; or
• Are new arrivals to this country; or
• Are frequent movers; or
• Live in areas of deprivation and self-refer for help.

What does your service offer to schools?

The Choice Advice Service can work with schools to ensure the admission process is clear and accessible to families and liase with school staff to support parents who may be experiencing difficulties with the system, this can include explaining the equal preference system to parents, help in completing forms and advice and guidance on school preference. The service can offer information sessions for parents in school this can include early briefing sessions for year 5 parents, one to one sessions/surgeries with a particular focus, for example completing the application form. Attend open evenings; offer home visits or one to one meetings to discuss options for parents and help complete application forms.

School staff are often key in identifying and signposting parents who may need support from the Choice Advice Service.

The role of Choice Adviser is impartial and offers guidance, support and information to parents and carers to enable them to make their own informed preference and be aware of all the options available to them. It is not the role of the service to give direct advice, take decisions for parents or to "recommend" or "guarantee" a place at any school.

How do schools access your service?

Schools can contact the service by telephone, fax, letter or email. There are service leaflets available to display in school or to give to parents. School can contact the service on a parent's behalf with parents consent.

How do schools contact you?

Telephone information line: 0161-342-4422 or fax: 0161-342-3305
Council Offices, Wellington Road Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, OL6 6DL
email: choiceadvice@tameside.gov.uk

Back To The Top