ADMISSIONS The admissions authority for Voluntary Controlled schools such as Loders is Dorset County Council. Our Admissions Number for 4 year-olds is 12. The full admissions policy is a complex document but in general, priority is given to: (1) Children living within the catchment area - the parishes of Loders and Askerswell. (2) Children living outside the catchment area who have brothers or sisters at Loders School. (3) Other children living outside the catchment area. Where the number of applicants exceeds places available, the allocation of those places is made according to the criteria set out in Dorset LA Admissions Policy. An initial approach concerning admission should be made to the school. All applications are handled by the School Admissions Team, Children's Services Directorate, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset. Tel 01305 221060. 4 year-old children are admitted at the start of the Autumn Term in September. This applies to all 'rising-fives' whose 5th birthday falls between 1 September of that calendar year and 31 August of the following year. Rising-fives are normally admitted on a part-time basis, attending mornings only during their first term. They usually begin full-time at the start of the Spring Term and in any case attend full-time not later than the start of the term following their 5th birthday. Parents are invited to arrange a preliminary visit to the school with or without their children. We like new entrants to visit the school for a few half-days before they officially start, to get to know and enjoy their future surroundings. SCHOOL HOURS The school premises are open at 8.40am. Key Stage 1 sessions are from 8.55am to 12.00pm and 1.00 to 3.15pm. Key Stage 2 sessions are from 8.55am to 12.15pm and 1.00 to 3.15pm. Children should be off the premises by 3.30pm unless taking part in an after-school activity or club. Hot lunches are provided by Local Food Links, which produces good quality-controlled balanced meals sourced mainly from local providers and cooked at a central kitchen in Bridport. Children may either have these (there is is an advance ordering system) or bring a suitable packed lunch from home. Please ask for further details of lunch arrangements. Free school meals are available for entitled children. SCHOOL TRANSPORT Children living within the catchment area of the school but beyond regulation walking distance are entitled to free school transport. The distances are 2 miles by the shortest practicable route for 5 to 7 year-olds and 3 miles for older children. Children who are not otherwise entitled may be granted concessionary seats on school buses if available. A charge is made for such places. Enquiries and applications for transport should be made to the School Transport Team, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset. Tel 01305 221000.