Families in Dorset will find out today, Thursday,` which school their children will be joining in September.

Most pupils, nearly 95 percent, have been offered their preferred choice of infant, first, primary, junior or middle school.

Dorset Council School Admissions Team say they received 4,547 infant, first and primary and middle school applications. They were able to offer 4,308 families their first choice of school – a total of 94.7 percent.

Councillor Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: ‘These are unusual and difficult times, but today we are looking forward to September and a new school year.

‘Our work to try and offer families their preferred school has been continuing and I am delighted that so many children will be able to attend their first choice of school. It is a great achievement that first preference choices have been offered on this scale. Starting school or joining a new one is an important milestone in a child’s life and I would like to wish all pupils the very best of luck.

‘We do not yet know when schools will re-open, but whatever lies ahead, I know Dorset schools will be working with families to make sure the transition and settling in process is as smooth as possible.’

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, who applied for a school place online or who have given an email address, will be notified today (16/4) by email.  More than 97 per cent applied online. Anyone without an email address should contact Dorset Council School Admissions Team on 01305 221060.

More information about schools, education and admissions is available here.

In Wiltshire, meanwhile, 99 percent of Wiltshire families have been offered one of their three primary school preferences for this September with 94 percent offered their first preference.

Parents who applied online can see which school their child will attend by going to www.wiltshire.gov.uk

Most parents now apply for places online with 96 percent of the 5,297 applications received doing so. Those who submitted a paper application form will be contacted by email to inform them how they can find out the outcome of their application.

Councillor Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: ‘This is a big moment for so many families as their child prepares to start their school days and I’m delighted that once again our figures are high and show percent will get their first preference. I’d like to thank our hard working officers for their careful planning which ensures we have sufficient places across the county for all our pupils.’

The right to an independent appeal is open to anyone who has not received an offer at one of their preferred schools. Parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary controlled or community school should visit our website for details of how to appeal.

Parents who wish to appeal for a place at a voluntary aided, foundation school or an academy should contact the school directly to lodge an appeal.

Parents who have any further queries regarding admissions can contact the council’s customer services on 01225 713010.