Parents are being encouraged to take advantage of the festive period to apply for their children’s primary school places.

Children are entitled to start school in the September after their fourth birthday.

This means parents and carers of children born between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2014 must apply by January 15.

Essex County Council has warned any applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered once all on-time applications have been determined.

The council encouraged parents to use all four of the preferences available and to check the admissions criteria for each school they wish to apply for to ensure they have the best chance of being offered a preferred place.

Applications can be made at essex.gov.uk/admissions.