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As Gautent parents, pupils and schools gear up for the first day of the new term on Wednesday January 18, government schools are likely to be inundated by last-minute appeals for placement. Here's a quick guide on what to do to get your child placed at a school.

Where do I find information about schools at which to register my child?

The Gauteng Department of Education's website (http://www.education.gpg.gov.za), under “school information”, has a list of the province's schools, their contact details and the areas they're in.

What if the school near my home is full?

Visit the Education Department's district office in your area. Officials there should assist you to find placement at the next available school.

What will I need to take with me to get my child registered?

Proof of identity (either in the form of an original or certified copy of a birth certificate), proof of birth date and residence. If your child is moving schools, bring a transfer card and a report card.

I have been told that my child is on a waiting list, what does this mean?

When registering, parents' details are placed on a list and they are given a waiting-list number. Pupils will either be placed on waiting list A or waiting list B.

What is the difference between the two lists?

Pupils on waiting list A are those whose parents' home or work address is closest to the school. They will get priority during the admission process.

Pupils from primary schools closest to the high school in the area and pupils with siblings at the school will also be placed on waiting list A.

And B?

Pupils who don't qualify for waiting list A will be placed on list B. They'll be numbered on a first-come-first-served basis. All parents who apply should get a written response from the school, with the date the registration forms were submitted and a waiting-list number on the applicable list.

What do I do if I am asked to pay to have my child registered, or to pay a fee for registering late?

In terms of the SA Schools Act this is unlawful - no fees are required for the registration process.

It's also illegal to use testing, scholarship, bursary, confidential reports, interest and pre-admission forms for admission purposes.

How will I know if my application is successful?

You will be notified by the school in writing whether your application was successful.

Parents have seven days to return a filled-in slip (found at the bottom of the acknowledgement letter received from the school) to the school. On the slip they must indicate whether they accept or decline the space allocated for their child. The district director will fill the remaining spaces with waiting list pupils.

Can I appeal an unsuccessful application?

Yes, you can appeal the decision by filling in the MEC's appeal form, which is available at schools.

The appeal form must be accompanied by the district director's written decision, a copy of the communiqué informing the parent that their application was unsuccessful (in which the school principal must explain why the child was declined) and a copy of the waiting-list number.

The MEC will liaise with the district director and the head office, and a decision will be made.

Does this mean I am guaranteed a spot?

Not at all.

What happens if my appeal is rejected or if the school is declared full?

No school will be declared full until the admission process in finalised.

Late registrations are managed by the district office which consults with school principals in that area. Ultimately, it's the Department of Education's responsibility to ensure that every child of school-going age is in school.

Pupils who cannot find placement at their preferred school will be placed in other schools.

Can the school turn my child away for unpaid school fees?

This is also not allowed in terms of the SA Schools Act. Gauteng's schools are divided into two categories: no-fee and fee-paying schools.

In fee-paying schools parents can apply to be exempted for paying school fees.

Application forms for this are available at schools. Depending on the family's financial situation, applicants can be granted partial or full exemption.

Where do I get information about school uniforms?

This information will be available at the school. Some schools have uniforms that are only sold at particular stores.

The location of these stores plus the uniform price list will be given to parents. - The Star

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