What is The Choice Advice Service?

Choice Advice is a service for parents who are applying for a school place for their child/children. The service offers impartial guidance, support and information to any parent choosing a school for their child/children who live in Nottingham. Parents may find the service particularly useful when their child/children are in year 5 and 6 and moving on to secondary school.

What can a Choice Adviser do for you?

A choice adviser will aim to make sure you have a full understanding of all the information available and that it is presented clearly to you. This could include:

• How the school transfer and admissions process works, e.g. offering assistance in filling in forms both for Nottingham and other local authorities
• Provide impartial information about local schools
• Help you find out about schools that will best suit your child's needs.
• Tell you about provision for children with special educational needs.
• Inform you about the various admissions polices for different types of schools in the area.
• Give information on travel and uniform policies.
• Discuss options available to you if you are not offered your preferred school. This includes guidance through the appeals process and the equal preference scheme.

What "Choice" do I have ?

Although we talk about choice, as a parent you only have the right to express a preference for a choice of school for your child/children. If you are making a decision about your child starting primary or moving to secondary school you will be given the Going to School in Nottingham, a guide to admission arrangements for the school year 2008 – 2009 booklets produced by Nottingham City Council's School Admission & Exclusions Team, and they will allocate a place for your child at your preferred school if your preference meets the criteria set out in the booklets.

Is the Choice Adviser and information they give impartial and in confidence?

Choice Advice aims to give an impartial service to all parents.  It will offer information and support to help you come to your decision, however our advisers  will not make a decision for you or give direct advice, nor can a choice adviser recommend or guarantee a place at any school. Confidentiality is always respected and information will only be shared with parents permission.

How can I contact the Choice Advice Service?

Choice Advisors are part of the Children and Families Information Service. The service works across the city offering information, advice and assistance to parents and carers about a wide range of family support issues. The Children and Families Information Service is operated by Nottingham City Council Children’s Services.

We can give you advice over the telephone or arrange to meet you face to face. We will also be organising drop in sessions at primary schools across Nottingham during 2007/2008. We are also out and about across the City at community events and venues. Look out for us in your area.

Call the Nottingham City Council’s Children and Families Information Service

Freephone: 0800 458 4114

Between 8.30am and 5pm, five days a week.

Download our leaflet:

Choice Advice leaflet for parents