With the end of the 2009 school year in sight, August and September have been set aside for parents to enrol their children in schools for the 2010 academic year.
When children are registered and enrolled in the year prior to the intended year of learning, schools are able to adequately plan for all the teaching and learning requirements such as the expected number of teachers, furniture, textbooks and stationery.
A parent/guardian may register his or her child at the nearest school or any other public school if a vacant place exists at the school. Provincial Heads of Department (HoDs) in consultation with School Governing Bodies create feeder zones to manage learner intake in densely populated areas by taking into consideration first:
- Learners living in the feeder zone of the school, or those whose parents work in the feeder zone
- Other learners will be admitted on a first come first served basis
According to the ministry of basic education, children going to school for the first time in grade 1 in 2010 need to be six years old or turning six by 30 June in 2010. Children who are 5 years old or turning 5 by 30 June 2010 should be registered for grade R classes at a school or Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in the community.
When applying for their children parents must avail the following documents to the school:
- The application form of the preferred school
- The child’s original birth certificate
- Proof of immunisation
- Transfer card (if a leaner transfers from one public school to another)
- The last report card issued by the previous school
Under the department of education’s guidelines, children cannot be denied admission to a particular school because their parents are not able to afford school fees or if they do not have school uniforms.
In addition, public schools are not allowed to charge compulsory registration fees.
If the school of preference is declared full by the HOD, parents will be assisted through District Offices to find placement at an alternative school.