The deadline for primary school applications is drawing near, and it is time for parents and children up and down Wiltshire to make up their minds.

Parents of children starting at voluntary controlled or community primary schools in September 2005 should return their applications to County Hall before the deadline of noon on Friday, November 19.

Application forms are available from Wiltshire County Council's customer care team on (01225) 713000, or from any voluntary controlled or community primary school in the county.

Notification of offers will be sent out to parents on February 4, 2005.

A second round of applications is also held for primary schools, with the deadline on February 18, 2005.

The county council said that parents who get the application form in on time will have a better chance of their children going to the school of their choice.

Applications received after February 18 will be considered in order of receipt, but not until all those received by that deadline have been considered.

Admissions to aided schools or foundation schools are handled by those schools individually, and deadline dates vary. Parents should contact those schools directly with any admissions inquiries.

Bryan Cash, education officer (admissions) for the county council said: "The deadline for primary school applications is now approaching, and I would urge parents to get their applications in on time.

"This will give them the best chance of their children being accepted into their first choice of school."