Parents and carers in the Dorset Council area will find out today which school their children will be joining in September.

Overall, those offered their first preference has increased to just under 96 per cent from just under 95 per cent last year, Dorset Council says.

It adds that:

-94.68% have been offered their first preference of reception school

-98.09% have been offered their first preference of junior school

-97.40% have been offered their first preference of middle school

-Dorset Council School Admissions Team received 4,302 applications. They were able to offer 4,112 families their first choice of school – a total of 95.58 per cent.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Starting school, or joining a new one, is a big step in a child’s life so I am pleased that so many families have been offered their first choice.

“I wish them all the best of luck for September and thank everyone involved in the school allocation process for their work to make this happen.”

There are small things parents can do at home to help their child prepare for starting in reception, such as:

-encouraging them to get dressed, undressed and use the toilet independently

-helping them become familiar with numbers, letters and sounds

-reading and singing nursery rhymes

Parents and carers will be able to log onto their online account from 9.30am today to see the outcome of their application. In addition, where an email address has been submitted as part of the application, families will be sent a link to get their formal outcome letter.

Anyone without an email address should contact Dorset Council School Admissions Team on 01305 221060.