Parents of children turning five in the academic year 2020/21 must register their child with a school by the end of January.

From the end of January, nurseries and playgroups will be working with the children’s schools to share consented information with the reception team.

Education chiefs say this ensures that the transition into school is smooth and enjoyable for the child and their family.

In addition, registration of the children at their catchment school enables schools to allocate staff and plan resources for the next academic year.

Information about the catchment areas can be found online on the government maps, inputting a postcode and scrolling down to the precise address, then searching under ’my school catchment’.

Alternatively, parents can contact the Department of Education, Sport and Culture on 685820 or email [email protected].

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A department spokesman said: ’If your child currently attends a nursery or playgroup, staff will be gathering information that supports their transition to school so that all areas of their development are celebrated.

’This consented information is shared with school staff throughout the pre-school year. A letter with accompanying information will be sent to all families who have registered their children at school either via their nursery or playgroup, or to their home address.

’Included in the information is a guide to help children enjoy their exciting journey to school, and links to further information regarding the policy and guidance on admission to primary schools.’

Anyone who is considering delaying their child’s start to school must contact the department.

Parents of children who will be educated other than in a department school in the academic year 2020 - 2021 are also required to contact the department.