Admissions Policy – St. John's National School

Admission Policy

Introduction
This Admission Policy for St. John’s N.S. has been prepared and ratified by the Board of Management (BoM) and operates in accordance with Rules for National Schools and other relevant circulars, amendments and regulations as decreed by the Department of Education & Skills.
This policy explains the admission procedures prepared by the BoM. This Admission Policy complies with the requirements of the Education Act 1998, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and the Equal Status Act 2000. In drafting this policy, the board of management of the school has consulted with school staff, the school patron and with parents of children attending the school. The relevant dates and timelines for the admission process are set out in the school’s Annual Admission Notice which is published annually on the school’s website at least one week before the commencement of the admission process for the school year concerned.
This policy must be read in conjunction with the Annual Admission Notice for the school year concerned. The policy and application form for admission are published on the school’s website and will be made available in hardcopy to any person who requests it.

Contacting the School:
• St. John’s N.S., Wyattville Road, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin
• Tel: 01 285 5525; www.stjohnsns.ie
• Patron: Archbishop Diarmuid Martin; Chairperson: Mr. Donal Marren; Principal: Mrs. Catherine Coady

Characteristic Spirit and General Information
St. John’s N.S. is a school whose objective is to provide education in an environment which promotes certain religious values and does not discriminate. Where it refuses to admit as a student a person who is not Catholic and it is proved that the refusal is essential to maintain the ethos of the school. St John’s NS is a co-educational primary school with a Catholic ethos under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. “Catholic Ethos” in the context of a Catholic primary school means the ethos and characteristic spirit of the Roman Catholic Church, which aims at promoting:
a. the full and harmonious development of all aspects of the person of the pupil, including the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual aspects; and
b. a living relationship with God and with other people; and
c. a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God and in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; and
d. the formation of the pupils in the Catholic faith,
and which school provides religious education for the pupils in accordance with the doctrines, practices and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, and/or such ethos and/or characteristic spirit as may be determined or interpreted from time to time by the Irish Episcopal Conference.
In accordance with S.15 (2) (b) of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management of St. John’s N.S. shall uphold, and be accountable to the patron for so upholding, the characteristic spirit of the school as determined by the cultural, educational, moral, religious, social, linguistic and spiritual values and traditions which inform and are characteristic of the objectives and conduct of the school.

As stated, it is a mixed (boys and girls) school with the full stream of classes (Early Start, Junior Infants to 6th class and three AS(classes for children with Autism) Classes being taught. At present, there are sixteen teachers on staff (Principal, eight Class Teachers, three Special Education Teachers), thirteen Special Needs Assistants and a Childcare worker, all supported by a team of two ancillary staff. School opens at 8.50 a.m. and closes at 2.30 p.m., except for Junior and Senior Infants and Seedlings for whom school ends at 1.30 p.m. Our Early Start classes run at two different times of the day, the morning group – 8:50-11:20am and the afternoon group – 12:00-2:30pm
The school is funded by grants, which are paid to the Board of Management by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and by other agencies and the school operates within the rules and regulations set by the DES. St. Johns N.S. follows the curricular programmes prescribed by the DES which may be amended from time to time in accordance with Sections 9 and 30 of the Education Act 1998. Half an hour per day is allocated to the teaching of the Catholic religion programmes including the preparation of the children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. ‘Grow in Love’ is the religion programme used in the school.
Arrangements regarding students not attending religious instruction
The following are the school’s arrangements for students, where the parents have requested that the student attend the school without attending religious instruction in the school, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who request (in writing to the Principal) their child to not participate in religious instruction will be met where all parties can discuss how the student may be accommodated sensitively and appropriately by our school in consultation with the wishes of each child’s parent(s)/guardian(s). The alternative accommodation will be agreed mutually on a case-by- case basis. Inclusivity and respect for children of other faiths and those of no faiths will form the foundation of any and all such arrangements. Any arrangements will not result in a reduction in the school day for such students.

Admission Statement

The enrolment policy is set out:
• in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998;
• considering the rights of the Patron as set out in the above Act;
• within the context and parameters of the DES regulations and programmes;
and
• bearing in mind the funding, facilities and resources available.

St. John’s N.S. will not discriminate in its admission of a student to the school on any of the following:
a. the gender ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
b. the civil status ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
c. the family status ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
d. the sexual orientation ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
e. the religion ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
f. the disability ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
g. the ground of race of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned,
h. the Traveller community ground of the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned, or
i. the ground that the student or the applicant in respect of the student concerned has special educational needs

As per section 61 (3) of the Education Act 1998, ‘civil status ground’, ‘disability ground’, ‘discriminate’, ‘family status ground’, ‘gender ground’, ‘ground of race’, ‘religion ground’, ‘sexual orientation ground’ and ‘Traveller community ground’ shall be construed in accordance with section 3 of the Equal Status Act 2000.

The school supports the principles of:
• inclusiveness, particularly with reference to the enrolment of children with a disability or special educational need;
• equality of access and participation in the school;
• parental choice in relation to enrolment;
• respect for the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions, language and ways of life in society.

While recognising the rights of parent(s)/guardian(s) to enrol their child in the school of their choice (Education Act 1998, Section 15:2), the Board of Management equally strives to respect the rights of the children already enrolled. This requires the Board of Management making balanced judgements guided by the principles of natural justice and the best interests of all children being considered.

Considering these factors, the Board of Management reserves the right to determine the maximum number of children ordinarily accommodated in each classroom bearing in mind the following:
• size of the classroom and available space; the educational needs of children of a particular age; presence of children with special educational / behavioural needs; DES guidelines and directives on class size; multi-grade classes.

Admission of Students

St John’s NS is a Catholic school and may refuse to admit as a student a person who is not Catholic where it is proved that the refusal is essential to maintain the ethos of the school.
This school shall admit each student seeking admission except where –
a. the school is oversubscribed;
b. a parent of a student, when required by the principal in accordance with section 23(4) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, fails to confirm in writing that the code of behaviour of the school is acceptable to him or her and that he or she shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with such a code by the student.

What will not be considered or taken into account
In accordance with section 62(7)(e) of the Education Act, the school will not consider or take into account any of the following in deciding on applications for admission or when placing a student on a waiting list for admission to the school:
• a student’s prior attendance at a preschool or preschool service; unless s/he attend Early Start in St John’s NS.
• the payment of fees or contributions (howsoever described) to the school;
• a student’s academic ability, skills or aptitude;
• the occupation, financial status, academic ability, skills or aptitude of a student’s parents;
• a requirement that a student, or his or her parents, attend an interview, open day or other meeting as a condition of admission;
• a student’s connection to the school by virtue of a member of his or her family attending or having previously attended the school;
• the date and time on which an application for admission was received by the school (this is subject to the application being received at any time during the period specified for receiving applications set out in the Annual Admission Notice of the school for the school year concerned).

Circumstances in which offers may not be made or may be withdrawn
An offer of admission may not be made or may be withdrawn by where—
i. it is established that information contained in the application is false or misleading;
ii. an applicant fails to confirm acceptance of an offer of admission on or before the date set out in the annual admission notice of the school;
iii. the parent of a student, when required by the principal in accordance with section 23(4) of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, fails to confirm in writing that the code of behaviour of the school is acceptable to him or her and that he or she shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure compliance with such code by the student; or
iv. an applicant has failed to comply with the requirements of ‘acceptance of an offer’ as set out above.

Within the parameters outlined herein, the school’s enrolment policy will be administered by the Principal.

Part 1: Admission of Students for New Intake (Junior Infants)

The school will indicate the number of places being made available in Junior Infants in the Annual Admission Notice. In the event that the school is oversubscribed, the school will, when deciding on applications for admission, apply the following selection criteria in the order listed below to those applications that are received within the timeline for receipt of applications as set out in the school’s Annual Admission Notice (the Board of Management will consider the following (in order of priority): the relevant category (see below) & the age of the child within each category. In all cases, children must also have reached the appropriate age).

Where two children in the same category share the same birth date, a lottery will decide which child is offered a place first. The designation of any cut-off date is at the discretion of the Board of Management and may vary from year to year depending on the demand for places.

Using that cut-off date, first round offer of places is then issued in accordance with the criteria below:
1. Children who attend Early Start in St John’s NS.
2. Siblings and stepsiblings of children already enrolled in the school and children resident in the parish. If oversubscribed preference will be given to the eldest child.
3. Children of staff (the eldest child will have priority in this ranking)
4. Children residing outside the parish (the eldest child will also have priority).
The Board of Management reserves the right to admit the children of staff members at any time. Enrolment is subject to verification of the child’s address at the time when offers are made.

The dates the school will both commence and cease accepting applications for admission on behalf of Junior Infants will be stated in the Annual Admission Notice. During this time, parent(s)/ guardian(s) are invited to call to the school office for an application form or can download it from our website. This policy is also available on our website. Application forms should be completed and returned with a birth certificate before the closing date stated.

Cognisance shall be made of separated parents and any possible dual address issues. The school where necessary will operate a ‘waiting list’ for the above purpose (for the school year concerned).

For the purposes of considering the admission of children (incoming Junior Infants) from categories listed above, the following shall apply:
• All children being enrolled in Junior Infants shall have reached their 4th birthday by the last day of May in the calendar year in which they are enrolled. The BoM reserves the right to move this date if considered necessary at any point.
• On application to the school, applications will be organised in accordance with the categories (1-5) listed above.
• Should there be vacancies to be filled in Junior Infant intake classes when category 1 applicants have been granted, they shall be offered in turn to category 2, category 3, 4 and category 5.
• Transfer from one category to another as result of address change – placement of the transferred application is determined by date of transfer, and NOT the date of the original application.

The residential address of applicants will be strictly checked. Please note that addresses of relatives are not acceptable. Two forms of proof are required:
1. Current proof of residency is required (e.g. legal document showing ownership of house, Revenue communication re: Local Property Tax or rental agreement / lease agreement of house / apartment).
2. A current official correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners e.g. a Tax Certificate for the current year or correspondence from Child Benefit, Department of Social Protection
3. A current utility bill – gas or electric is required.
• Once items of proof have been verified and the admission application process has been completed, items of proof provided will be destroyed. The sole and only purpose of requesting the above items is for verification of residential address.

Part 2: Admission Policy for children into the AS Classes:

As the school currently operates on a waiting list policy for these classes, those on the waiting list before February 2020 will be given preference, however, no new applications may be taken onto the list. Once the waiting list has been depleted the school will openly state the number of places available in the AS classes in their Admission statement published yearly. Suitable candidates will be invited to apply for these places. Please note that a complete application only can be accepted, this includes a birth certificate and a copy of all relevant reports. It must include a report from a relevant professional that states that the child will be suitable for a place in a special Autism class attached to a mainstream school.
The school will invite parents in for a meeting to discuss their child’s needs and the best way the school can meet those needs. Please note that this is not an offer of a place, just a preliminary meeting.

Decisions on Applications
All decisions on applications for admission will be based on the following:
• Our school’s Admission Policy;
• The school’s Annual Admission Notice;
• The information provided by the applicant in the school’s official application form received during the period specified in our Annual Admission Notice for receiving applications
Selection criteria that are not included in our school admission policy will not be used to make a decision on an application for a place in our school.

On receipt of an application for admission, the school will write a letter confirming receipt of application. This in no way guarantees a place in the school. No child is guaranteed a place until officially notified in writing that a place is being offered and the parent(s) / guardian(s) have accepted that offer in writing. All parent(s) / guardian(s) who have applied (for incoming Junior Infants) will be contacted in writing. Where a space exists, the parent(s) / guardian(s) of the next applicant in line will be asked to supply forms of proof of their home address to the BoM.

Notifying applicants of decisions and acceptance of an offer of a place by an applicant
If a parent(s) / guardian(s) successfully supplies forms of proof, an offer letter will be issued that also contains a date by which the parent(s) / guardian(s) needs to accept the offer of such a place. Written acceptance of a place also implies acceptance of the school’s Code of Behaviour (which was enclosed with the Offer Letter).
When accepting an offer of admission from our school, you must indicate if you have accepted another offer of admission from another school or schools. If you have accepted such an offer, you must also provide details of the offer or offers concerned. You must also inform us as to whether or not you have applied for and are awaiting confirmation of an offer of admission from another school or schools, and if so, you must provide details of the other school or schools concerned.
All applicants will receive a decision in writing regarding their application for admission by the date stated in the Annual Admission Notice. Where we are unable to offer your child a place, we will provide you with the reasons why they were not offered a place and details of the student’s place on the waiting list for the school year concerned.

Introductory Meeting for Parent(s) / Guardian(s) of Incoming Junior Infants
A meeting for parent(s) / guardian(s) only may take place in May or June. In addition, newly enrolled children with their parent(s) / guardian(s) will be invited to visit the school in June for an afternoon. They will meet the principal, their class teachers and their fellow pupils and get a chance to see their classrooms. The school booklet, booklists and information about uniforms will be issued.

Late Applications
All applications for admission received after the closing date as outlined in the Annual Admission Notice will be considered and decided upon in accordance with our school’s Admission Policy, the Education Admissions to School Act 2018 and any regulations made under the Act. Late applications will be notified of the decision in respect of their application no later than three weeks after the date on which the school received the application. Late applications will be offered a place if there is a place available, after all children from Categories 1-5 that applied during the annual notice period have been offered places. In the event that there is no space available, the name of the applicant will be added to the ‘Late Application Waiting List’ (the name of the applicant will be added to the relevant category – where more than one child remains on this waiting list from the same category, the date of application will indicate priority).

Part 2: Admission Policy for children from Senior Infants to Sixth Class

Students may transfer to the school from other schools’ subject to the school’s Admissions Policy, the availability of places and in some cases, the approval of the Department of Education and Skills. In considering student transfers, the Principal (on behalf of the BoM), may ask for a reference from the student’s current teacher and copies of school reports and Standardised Test results but only after enrolment in this school has been accepted (in line with Circular 0056/2011). The Principal will also contact the Principal of the other school for a report, as required by the Educational (Welfare) Act 2000 and the parent(s) / guardian(s) will be notified of the BoM’s decision in writing within 21 days. This is in accordance with Rules for National Schools, where there is no change of address. The Principal shall request the pupil’s PPS number, to facilitate the update of the POD (Primary Online Database) system.

Where children leave the school to attend school elsewhere, no guarantee can be given that they may be re-enrolled in the school upon their return to Ballybrack. Depending on the current size of the class they seek to re-join, subject to current D.E.S. guidelines, re-enrolment may not be possible. Provision for previously enrolled children who have attended the Reading School or a SSLI (specific speech and language disorder) class, etc. and wish to re-enrol following finishing their time at these schools/classes will be accommodated where at all possible.

As stated, if the number of children seeking admission exceeds the number of places available, the Board of Management will consider the following (in order of priority): the relevant category (see below), the date of application, the age of the child and the available space in any given class. In all cases, children must also have reached the appropriate age for the particular class grouping.

Where a space or spaces exist, offer(s) of places are then issued in accordance with the criteria below:
1. Brothers and sisters of children already enrolled in the school (at time of processing applications)
2. Children who reside within the catchment area of the school (at time of processing applications)
3. Children living outside the catchment area (at time of processing applications), but within the parish
4. Children living outside the parish, but reside in Co. Dublin or Co. Wicklow (at time of processing applications)
5. Children from other areas (at time of processing applications) not covered in categories 1-4 above

The Board of Management reserves the right to admit the children of staff members at any time. Admission is subject to verification of the child’s address at the time when offers are made.

Parent(s) / Guardian(s) interested in applying for a place for their child are invited to call to the school office for an application form or can download it from our website. This policy is also available on our website. Application forms should be completed and returned with a birth certificate to the school office. When an application is received, it will be added to the appropriate category based on the criteria outlined in this policy.

Cognisance shall be made of separated parents and any possible dual address issues. The school where necessary will operate a ‘waiting list’ for the above purpose (for the school year concerned).

Decisions on Applications
All decisions on applications for admission will be based on the following: our school’s Admission Policy; the school’s Annual Admission Notice; the information provided by the applicant in the school’s official application form. Selection criteria that are not included in our school Admission Policy will not be used to make a decision on an application for a place in our school. On receipt of an application for admission, the school will write a letter / email confirming receipt of application. This in no way guarantees a place in the school. No child is guaranteed a place until officially notified in writing that a place is being offered and the parent(s) / guardian(s) have accepted that offer in writing. Where a space exists, the parent(s) / guardian(s) of the next applicant in line will be asked to supply multiple forms of proof of their home address to the BoM.

Notifying applicants of decisions and acceptance of an offer of a place by an applicant
If a parent(s) / guardian(s) successfully supplies multiple forms of proof, an offer letter / email will be issued that also contains a date by which the parent(s) / guardian(s) needs to accept the offer of such a place. Written acceptance of a place also implies acceptance of the school’s Code of Behaviour (which was enclosed with the Offer Letter).
When accepting an offer of admission from our school, you must indicate if you have accepted another offer of admission from another school or schools. If you have accepted such an offer, you must also provide details of the offer or offers concerned. You must also inform us as to whether or not you have applied for and are awaiting confirmation of an offer of admission from another school or schools, and if so, you must provide details of the other school or schools concerned.
All applicants will receive a decision in writing regarding their application for admission within three weeks of their application. Where we are unable to offer your child a place, we will provide you with the reasons why they were not offered a place and details of the student’s place on the waiting list for the school year concerned.

Waiting list in the event of oversubscription
As stated, in the event of there being more applications to the school year concerned than places available, a waiting list of students whose applications for admission were unsuccessful due to the school being oversubscribed will be compiled and will remain valid for the school year in which admission is being sought. Placement on the waiting list is in the order of priority assigned to the students’ applications after the school has applied the selection criteria in accordance with this Admission Policy. Offers of any subsequent places that become available for and during the school year in relation to which admission is being sought will be made to those students on the waiting list, in accordance with the order of priority in relation to which the students have been placed on the list.
Data
Certain information will be required when an application for enrolment is made. This will include prospective student’s name; age; address *; names and addresses of child’s parent(s) / guardian(s), details of medical needs **; contact numbers; (additional) contact numbers in cases of emergency;
* Parent(s) / guardian(s) applying for admission for a child in the school will be asked for proof of address at which the child is ordinarily resident before an application may be considered.
** The school encourages parent(s) / guardian(s) to make us aware of the details of any medical / behavioural conditions (medical reports / psychological reports) that are already known in order to support each child effectively
Admission is contingent on the completion and return of POD information form which includes the furnishings of the applicant’s PPSN, followed by written confirmation to parent(s) / guardian(s). New enrolments will be logged into POD using individual PPSNs. If a child enrols in two (or more) schools, a PPSN conflict will be triggered and our school will be alerted of this. Parent(s) / Guardian(s) will then be contacted to clarify their position. Applicants should be aware that section 66(6) of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 allows for the sharing of certain information between schools in order to facilitate the efficient admission of students.

Admission of Children with Special Educational Needs
St. John’s N.S. supports the principles of inclusiveness and equality of access and participation, within the context of Department of Education and Skills regulations and programmes, and within the funding and resources that are available. Each case will be examined carefully, as every child with special needs has specific educational and/or physical requirement(s). However, the teaching capacity and resources of the school may not be sufficient to respond adequately to the needs of some pupils. Parent(s) / guardian(s) of children with special educational needs are invited to advise the principal of St. John’s of their child’s specific needs so that the most appropriate learning environment for their child is established before commencing in the school. Subject to the following, no distinction is made between applicant children with special educational needs and applicant children without special education needs.
The Board of Management encourages parent(s) / guardian(s) to make medical/psychological assessments, etc. available in order to assist the school in establishing the educational and any other needs of the child relevant to his/her special needs and to profile the support services required (this will happen in accordance with Circular 0056/2011). Where such reports are not available, the Board of Management may request that the child be immediately assessed for the purpose of assisting the school in establishing the specific needs of the child relevant to his or her special needs. A profile of the relevant support services necessary may need to be furnished by the relevant authorities.
Following receipt of such reports, the Board of Management will assess how the school could meet the needs specified in the report. Where the Board deems that further resources are required, it will request the Department of Education & Skills and/or The National Council for Special Education, to provide the resources required to meet the needs of the child as outlined in the psychological and/or medical report. The Principal, acting on behalf of the Board, will meet with the parent(s) / guardian(s) of the child to discuss the child’s needs and the school’s suitability in meeting these needs. If necessary, a full case conference involving all relevant parties (which may include parent(s) / guardian(s), Principal, Class Teacher, Psychologist and other professionals as appropriate) will be held. The Board of Management reserves the right to refuse to enrol a pupil who would otherwise be entitled to a place, where there are exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances would include situations where a pupil has special needs such that, even with additional resources provided by the Department of Education & Skills, the school is not able to provide the pupil with an “appropriate education”.

Declaration in relation to the non-charging of fees
The Board of Management or any persons acting on its behalf will not charge fees for or seek payment or contributions (howsoever described) as a condition of-
a. an application for admission of a student to the school, or
b. the admission or continued enrolment of a student in the school.

Reviews and Appeals

Review of decisions by the Board of Management

The parent or guardian of the student may request the board to review a decision to refuse admission. Such requests must be made in accordance with Section 29C of the Education Act 1998.
The timeline within which such a review must be requested and the other requirements applicable to such reviews are set out in the procedures determined by the Minister under section 29B of the Education Act 1998 which are published on the website of the Department of Education and Skills.
The Board will conduct such reviews in accordance with the requirements of the procedures determined under Section 29B and with section 29C of the Education Act 1998. Where an applicant has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, the applicant must request a review of that decision by the Board of Management prior to making an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998. Where an applicant has been refused admission due to a reason other than the school being oversubscribed, the applicant may request a review of that decision by the Board of Management prior to making an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.

Right of Appeal
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent or guardian of the student may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed. Where an applicant has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, the applicant must request a review of that decision by the Board of Management prior to making an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998. (see Review of decisions by the Board of Management). Where an applicant has been refused admission due to a reason other than the school being oversubscribed, the applicant may request a review of that decision by the Board of Management prior to making an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998. (see Review of decisions by the Board of Management)
Appeals under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 will be considered and determined by an independent appeals committee appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills. The timeline within which such an appeal must be made and the other requirements applicable to such appeals are set out in the procedures determined by the Minister under section 29B of the Education Act 1998 which are published on the website of the Department of Education and Skills.

Policy Ratification

In drafting this policy, the Board of Management of the school has consulted with school staff, the school patron and with parents / guardians of children attending the school. The Board of Management reserves the right to review, amend and append this policy to maintain the ethos of the school. Its decision is final and binding.
The policy was approved by the school patron on 04/08/2020. This policy was ratified by the Board of Management on the 23/09/2020. This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management annually at their Board meeting in January or February.

___________________________________ __________________________________
Mr. Donal Marren Mrs Catherine Coady
Chairperson of the Board of Management Principal
St. John’s N.S., Church Road, Ballybrack St. John’s N.S., Church Road, Ballybrack