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Admission Information
Ribbon Academy is a single academy serving children aged 3 to 11 years. The Academy is committed to providing a fair, transparent and inclusive admissions process for all children and families.
Ribbon Academy is the admission authority for the school and participates in Durham County Council’s coordinated admissions scheme for Reception admissions. Applications for school places are administered in accordance with the School Admissions Code, the School Admission Appeals Code and relevant legislation.
The Academy currently has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 85 for admission into Reception.
Prospective parents and carers are warmly welcomed to visit the school. Visits can be arranged by contacting the school office.
Ribbon Academy works closely alongside Ribbon Daycare, which operates independently from the Academy on the same site. Together, both organisations seek to provide a smooth and supportive transition into nursery and school education; however, admissions to Ribbon Academy and admissions to Ribbon Daycare are managed separately.
Further information about school admissions can be found on the Durham County Council admissions website:
Nursery Admissions
Ribbon Academy Nursery provides 15 hours of nursery education per week for eligible children aged 3 and 4 years.
Ribbon Academy does not provide funded two-year-old places.
Families requiring additional childcare provision or wishing to access funded two-year-old provision may choose to contact Ribbon Daycare, an independent childcare provider operating on the same site. Ribbon Daycare is a separate organisation and manages its own admissions, funding and childcare arrangements independently from Ribbon Academy.
Attendance at Ribbon Daycare does not guarantee admission to Ribbon Academy Nursery or Reception. All admissions are administered in accordance with this policy.
Children normally attend on a part-time basis for either a morning or afternoon session.
Admissions to Nursery must be made by contact Ribbon Academy via admissions@ribbbonacademy.co.uk
Oversubscription Criteria for Nursery Places
Where there are more applications than places available, places will be allocated in the following order:
1. Children in Need
The Children Act 1989 defines a child in need as a child who:
a) Is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision of services by the Local Authority.
b) Whose health or development is likely to be significantly impaired without the provision of such services.
c) Is disabled.
2. Children Living Within County Durham
Preference will be given to children whose parents or carers reside within the administrative boundary of County Durham.
3. Age
Places will be prioritised according to date of birth, with older eligible children receiving priority.
4. Date of Application
Where applicants have the same date of birth, priority will be given to the earliest application received.
Waiting List
Where places are not immediately available, children may be placed on a waiting list.
Children on the waiting list will be ranked according to the oversubscription criteria and not by the date they were added to the list.
Emergency Referrals
To accommodate emergency referrals of children in need as defined within the Children Act 1989, the Academy may retain places until the Autumn Half-Term where appropriate.
Transfers Between Nursery Settings
Once a child has begun attending a particular nursery setting, continuity is generally considered to be in the child’s best interests. Requests for transfers between settings will normally only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Admissions to Nursery must be made by contact Ribbon Academy via admissions@ribbbonacademy.co.uk
Oversubscription Criteria for Nursery Places
Where there are more applications than places available, places will be allocated in the following order:
1. Children in Need
The Children Act 1989 defines a child in need as a child who:
a) Is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision of services by the Local Authority.
b) Whose health or development is likely to be significantly impaired without the provision of such services.
c) Is disabled.
2. Children Living Within County Durham
Preference will be given to children whose parents or carers reside within the administrative boundary of County Durham.
3. Age
Places will be prioritised according to date of birth, with older eligible children receiving priority.
4. Date of Application
Where applicants have the same date of birth, priority will be given to the earliest application received.
Waiting List
Where places are not immediately available, children may be placed on a waiting list.
Children on the waiting list will be ranked according to the oversubscription criteria and not by the date they were added to the list.
Emergency Referrals
To accommodate emergency referrals of children in need as defined within the Children Act 1989, the Academy may retain places until the Autumn Half-Term where appropriate.
Transfers Between Nursery Settings
Once a child has begun attending a particular nursery setting, continuity is generally considered to be in the child’s best interests. Requests for transfers between settings will normally only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Reception Admissions
Children are normally admitted to Reception in the September following their fourth birthday.
Applications for Reception places must be made through Durham County Council’s coordinated admissions process.
Information regarding application deadlines, offer dates and procedures can be found on Durham County Council’s website:
https://www.durham.gov.uk/primaryschoolplaces
Parents should note that there is no automatic transfer from nursery into Reception and a separate application must be submitted.
Attendance at Ribbon Academy Nursery or Ribbon Daycare does not give a child a higher priority for admission to Reception. All applications are considered in accordance with the Academy’s published oversubscription criteria.
Oversubscription Criteria for Reception Admissions
Where there are more applications than places available, places will be allocated in the following order of priority:
Priority 1: Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
Children who are:
• Looked After Children; or
• Previously Looked After Children who ceased to be looked after because they became subject to:
o an adoption order;
o a child arrangements order; or
o a special guardianship order.
A looked after child is a child who is in the care of a local authority or who is being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of its social services functions under Section 22(1) of the Children Act 1989.
Priority 2: Exceptional Medical, Social or Welfare Need
Children with exceptional medical, social or welfare needs directly relating to school placement.
Applications submitted under this criterion must be supported by written evidence from an appropriate professional, such as a doctor, consultant, social worker or other relevant specialist, demonstrating why Ribbon Academy is the only suitable school.
Priority 3: Sibling Links
Children who have a sibling attending Ribbon Academy at the time of admission.
A sibling is defined as:
• A brother or sister;
• A half-brother or half-sister;
• An adopted brother or sister;
• A step-brother or step-sister;
• A child living within the same family unit at the same address.
Priority 4: Distance
Children who live nearest the school.
Distance will be measured using Durham County Council’s approved methodology and calculated from the child’s normal home address to the school.
Where the final available place would result in siblings from a multiple birth (including twins or triplets) being separated, priority will be given to ensure those siblings are admitted together.
Where two applicants meet the same criterion and live equidistant from the school and only one place remains available, Durham County Council’s random allocation process will be applied.
In-Year Admissions
Applications for admission outside the normal Reception intake should be made through Durham County Council.
Information regarding in-year transfers is available at:
https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2197/Apply-to-change-school-during-the-school-year
If a place is available, the child will normally be admitted.
Where a place cannot be offered, parents and carers will be advised of their right to appeal.
Key Documents
‘Parents are highly supportive of the school, agreeing that their children are happy and well-supported.’
‘Pupils thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment where their accomplishments are celebrated.’
‘Behaviour and attitudes are rated “Good”, with pupils showing positive behaviour both in and out of lessons.’
‘Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour and attitudes at the school are rated “Good”. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values.’
‘Pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes towards learning, understanding and demonstrating the school’s values.’
‘Personal development is “Outstanding”, offering a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school.’
‘Personal Development: Personal development at the school is rated “Outstanding”. The curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school gates, including educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.’
‘Early Years Provision: The provision for early years is rated “Outstanding”. The staff provide an exceptional range of carefully planned learning activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and the development of spoken language from day one.’
‘The Ribbon Academy is rated as “Good” overall, reflecting high standards in various aspects of school performance.’
‘Leadership and management are “Good”, demonstrating high ambitions for all pupils and a strong culture of mutual support among staff.’
‘Leadership and Management: Leadership and management are rated “Good”. Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil, and there is a strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff. The governing body and trustees are knowledgeable and committed to the success of the pupils.’
‘The school provides rich extracurricular opportunities, such as “Ribbon Radio” and the “Poets’ Podium”, which help develop pupils’ confidence.’
‘Reading and Literacy: Reading is prioritised, with an effective phonics program starting in the early years. Pupils’ love for reading is nurtured through various competitions and a well-stocked library.’
‘The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective systems in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils.’
‘Safety and Well-being: Pupils feel safe at the school, describing it as a “safe spot”. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective systems in place to report and follow up on concerns. The pastoral team works tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all pupils.’
‘Inclusivity and Nurturing Environment: The school is described as inclusive and nurturing, with high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements. Celebratory displays showcase pupils’ accomplishments, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.’
‘Reading is a priority, with an effective phonics program starting in early years, fostering a love for reading among pupils.’
‘Quality of Education: The quality of education provided is considered “Good”. The curriculum is broad, inspiring, and well-thought-out, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.’
‘The quality of education at the school is “Good”, with a broad and inspiring curriculum that builds knowledge progressively.’
‘Early years provision is rated “Outstanding”, with staff providing a magical learning journey that encourages curiosity and independence.’
‘Community and Extracurricular Activities: Pupils engage in activities like ‘Ribbon Radio’ and the ‘Poets’ Podium’, developing confidence and showcasing their talents. The school also runs breakfast clubs, after-school activities, and a community café, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.’