MANY West Devon families will be able to start their children at school a term early from next year.

Up to now, children have started school in either September or January, depending on their date of birth.

But, from 2011, all children born between September 1, 2006 and August 31, 2007 will be able to start school in September if their parents wish.

Applications for primary places in Devon opened on Monday and close on January 15.

Education officials say timely application is essential — particularly where schools are likely to be oversubscribed.

Applications can be made online at http://www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline">www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline and allocations will be available from April 15, 2011.

Devon's cabinet member for schools and skills, Christine Channon, said: 'Online admission is a convenient and time saving method of applying for a school place.

'Although parents may still apply in writing, there are many benefits to applying online.'

Mrs Channon said the benefits for parents and carers meant:

l A quicker and easier way of completing their applications

l The ability to amend the application right up to the deadline date

l No risk the application will get lost

l No need to rush back to hand forms in at the school or to Devon County Council

l Immediate online notification when allocations are made.

People who do not want to apply online can contact the Education Helpline on 0845 155 1019 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

The opening of the primary on-line service is timed to coincide with the publication of the First Step booklet, which gives families information and advice about choosing a primary school.

The booklet is being made available to parents across the county on the Devon County Council website http://www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline">www.devon.gov.uk/admissionsonline

It is also available in hard copy which contains all the relevant forms to apply for a place if the parent chooses not to apply on-line.

But, by logging on, parents and carers will be able to apply for a place at one of Devon's 320 primary schools electronically.

They will also be able to obtain information on the schools themselves, the admission rules and the whole admission process.

The on-line system is available for primary applications, 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the closing date on January 15, 2010.