PARENTS are being reminded to apply for places for their children who are starting primary school.

Children born during the period September 1, 2014 and August 31, 2015, are now eligible to start school later this year.

Parent must apply for places by next Tuesday (January 15).

Essex County Council has warned any applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered once all on-time applications have been determined.

The council has also encouraged parents to use all four of the preferences available and to check the admissions criteria for each school.

Last year the authority also announced it would stop sending reminder letters home to parents.

For more information or to apply for school places visit the county council website here