PARENTS and carers in Alcester and the surrounding area are being asked to take part in a consultation with Warwickshire County Council over way primary school places are allocated in urban areas in the county.

The consultation relates to a scheme to improve admissions arrangements in urban catchment areas of the county where demand for places is high and where there are more than five schools in a two mile radius.

The scheme could affect parents wanting to send their children to schools in Stratford in 2016, allowing schools to have wider boundaries, and accommodate siblings at the same school while not prejudicing local children's access to local schools.

Councillor Heather Timms, portfolio holder for children and schools, said: “The move to merging primary school priority areas in the county's towns is a significant step and we are consulting with local families, communities and schools so that we can have a true picture of local issues.

“Every year we accommodate the vast majority of families’ preferences. Understandably we are challenged when things do not work out but we continually strive to achieve an admissions process which is fair to all families.”

Currently the consultation is focussing on schools in Warwick, with an eye to move to other areas in a phased roll out. To take part in the consultation visit warwickshire.gov.uk/admissionscriteriaconsultations. The consultation is due to close on Saturday, March 1, with a report due to go before cabinet on Thursday, April 10.