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Reminder: secondary school admissions are open!

If you have a child that started year 6 this September, submit their secondary school application before the deadline on Saturday 31 October.

We encourage you to use all four preferences to give your child the best chance of being offered a preferred school. Last year, over 98% of Nottinghamshire families that applied on time were offered one of their preferred schools.

Our admissions hub has all the information you need to complete your application, including an admissions guide for parents. For more information about the application process, schools, the number of places available or how places are allocated, please visit the website or call 0300 500 80 80.

Latest news

More adopters needed to help shape children's futures across Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands

More people across Nottinghamshire are being urged to consider adoption and give children the safe, loving and permanent family they deserve as part of a national campaign. We're supporting ‘Every Day is Everything’ – led by Adoption England’s campaign, You Can Adopt – which shines a light on the everyday moments that help children thrive, from bedtime stories and school runs to the reassurance of knowing someone will always be there. Across Nottinghamshire, Nottingham, Derby and Derbyshire, children wait an average of 300 days to be adopted, leaving many without the stability, security and sense of belonging that a permanent family can provide.

Could you be a foster carer?

There is no one type of person who can foster and no single fostering journey. Foster carers come from different backgrounds and have different experiences. They provide different types of care, but all have one thing in common: they want to make a positive difference to a child’s life. Whether you provide short breaks, care for siblings, support a teenager or give a young child a safe and secure home, you can make a difference. Foster carers receive training, guidance and ongoing support from their local council fostering service. Any of us can make a difference in a child’s life. Could you be the one? Find out more about fostering with Foster for East Midlands Councils at one of the upcoming information events, or by visiting the website.

Youth Mental Health Day

Today, 18 September, is Youth Mental Health Day. There’s no age limit on mental health, which is why NottAlone is here for children and young people to find information, resources and connections to free, local support. NottAlone was created because young people told us that they struggled to find out what support was available for their mental health. The NottAlone website has since been expanded to provide mental health information and connect people of all ages to free, local support services, but there are still dedicated sections for children and young people, their parents and carers, and professionals who work with them to find tailored advice. So, if you know a child or young person who needs support with their mental health, remind them that the only name they need to remember is NottAlone.

What's on

Fun Palace

Inspire Worksop Library
Saturday 3 October, 10am to 3pm

You’re invited to a fun-packed day of free activities for all ages from local community groups and organisations.

Get creative with crafts, be amazed by hands-on science, enjoy live music, try a virtual reality experience, and much more.

No need to book, just come along and join in the fun!

ZAP Dance

The Old Library, Mansfield
Monday 7 September to Friday 23 November

Enjoy a fun and inclusive dance class where children can move, create and explore through dance, with no experience needed.

Led by a professional dance artist, sessions use games and imaginative activities to inspire creativity and confidence. 

• Mondays 4pm to 5pm
• First class is FREE then £2 weekly

Recycle right for your chance to win

To celebrate Recycle Week 2026, we’re running a competition to encourage residents across the county to think about how they can recycle more of the right things, more often. Whether it is a plastic food tray, a clean piece of foil, a carton or an empty trigger spray bottle, putting the right item in the right bin helps keep valuable materials in use for longer and supports our shared ambition to reduce waste across Nottinghamshire.

One lucky winner will receive a Joseph Joseph 6 litre stainless steel recycling bin that has split compartments to allow you to easily separate your waste and recycling. For your chance to win, simply tell us one item that you can put in your recycling bin at home.

Email your answer to competitions@nottscc.gov.uk by Friday 2 October.