Choice Advice and the Choice Adviser Role
Support for Parents – Choice Adviser Service
School Choice Advisers specialise in giving parents and carers independent and impartial advice, support, help and information relating to children starting school.
School Choice Advisers advise parents but do not decide for them. They act independently from the Local Authority. Their aim is to help families make the best choice using all available information including their knowledge of what individual schools have to offer.
School Choice Advisers work with families to understand their child’s educational needs and interests, providing and explaining key information in order to help them make an informed choice.
How can we help?
Our aim is to help and support families make the best and most realistic choice of school for their child. As such we will provide information on:
- How the admission system works in County Durham and in neighbouring local authority areas.
- School performance.
- School inspection reports.
- Previous number of applicants for schools.
- The School Prospectus and School Profile
- Special educational needs provision
- The school’s specialism (if any)
- Time of the school day and term dates
- School transport information
- Uniform policy
- School trips and activities
How can we do this?
- Give advice and support on applying for a school place
- Provide assistance with completing the School Preference Form
- Attend school open evenings
- Collect and provide school information
If you would like free and confidential advice please contact:
Philip Chater
Choice Advice Team
Children and Young People’s Services
County Durham
DH1 5UJ
Tel: 0191 3835665
Mobile: 07825202560
Email: choiceadvise@durham.gov.uk
