Both Newcastle Families Information Service (FIS) and our specialist School Choice Adviser can provide support and guidance on the application process.
Phone calls
Most queries can be dealt with straight away. However, at peak times such as the weeks before and after the deadline for applications to be received (Primary:15 January 2011, Secondary:31 October 2010) and around allocation day (Primary:1 April 2011, Secondary: 1 March 2011) the volume of calls and correspondence is high.
We aim to deal with your telephone enquires as quickly as possible, usually within three working days. However, to ensure that each case is thoroughly investigated, response times may be longer at these times.
Letters and emails
You will normally receive an answer within 15 days. If this is not possible, the officer dealing with your query will let you know the reasons for the delay and when you will receive a response.
Please discuss your concerns with the Policy Specialist, Admissions and Transport: 0191 277 7428.
We find that most concerns can be resolved in this way.
If you still want to make a formal complaint, you should write to:
The Complaints Officer
Children’s Services Directorate
Civic Centre
Barras Bridge
Newcastle
NE1 8PU
We take allegations that parents or carers have provided false information on their application form very seriously. We work closely with schools to ensure that fraudulent applications are detected. We also carry out spot checks.