No room in reception class

7.08.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2009

Conservative-run Hertfordshire County Council has released the figures of school places allocated to Reception classes in Watford's primary schools. The figures show that 64 children did not get a school of their choice. Worryingly, there is not one reception place available for children whose parents have either not applied by or who move to the area after last year's deadline.

West Watford campaigner Susan Gaszczak said: "We have known for some time that there was little room for movement in Watford's reception classes. The council seems unable to follow the birth rate and plan ahead for children starting school.

"There are always more popular schools, but this year every school in Watford received more applications than places. The county council must start taking note. The Tories closed our schools as they said there was no demand, yet now there is more demand than places."