Parents have been reminded to get their children's primary school applications in on time this year.

Richmond Council said it was important for parents not to miss the January 15 deadline if they wanted to stand the best chance of getting their child into the school of their choice.

Councillor Paul Hodgins, Richmond Council's cabinet member for schools, said: "We know that finding the right school is an extremely important decision for parents and we will do everything we can to help people through the application process.

"However, there is huge competition for places in the borough, and parents stand a better chance of getting one of their preferences if their applications are in on time and they have filled in the form correctly."

Earlier this year the Richmond and Twickenham Times reported on two youngsters who had failed to be awarded primary school places until after term started.

Four-year-old Karis Lauder and neighbour Ameen Al-Maliki both missed a month of school after being left without school places.

This year parents are being advised to submit their applications on time for the 2011 September intake.

They have also been told to apply online if possible for a faster reply and check the rules for applications carefully in order to avoid disappointment.

For more details about how to apply go to richmond.gov.uk/primary_school_admissions.