For the parents of future schoolchildren, it's a hot time - the acceptance of documents for enrolling children in first classes ends on May 31. Lawyer and attorney Maria Leta told the ElitExper agency what you need to know about enrolling a child in a state school, as well as what you need to know about a private school before concluding a contract for the provision of educational services.
So, to begin with, let's figure out whether a residence permit is needed for enrollment in a school? This question worries many parents, because it often happens that children do not live at the place of residence.
To enroll a child in a state school, it is necessary to submit only two documents: a copy of the birth certificate and a medical certificate in the form 086-1/o.
The school has no right to require other documents. However, you should know that first of all, those children are enrolled in the school who 1) live in the school's service area 2) have brothers or sisters who are already studying at the same school 3) whose parents are employees of this school or 4) children attended the kindergarten assigned to the school.
In terms of priority enrollment in school, registration is just as important, so it is necessary to use it and submit documents that confirm such circumstances.
In turn, school management often requires a certificate from parents about the registration of the child's place of residence, but the Ministry of Education has already clarified the documents that can be used as proof of the child's place of registration. This is the passport of one of the child's parents or legal representatives; certificate of registration of an internally displaced person; a document certifying the right of ownership of housing; entered into force a court decision granting the right to move into a residential premises, recognition of a person's right to use a residential premises or the right to own it, the right to register a place of residence. In addition, it is possible to provide: a document certifying the right to use housing (lease / sublease / rent, etc.); certificate of completion of service in a military unit; act of survey of living conditions.
Another simple way to get priority right to enroll in school is the act of surveying living conditions. This act can be done by applying to the guardianship and trusteeship bodies of the local self-government body in the territory where the child lives - in Odessa, this is the Children's Department of the Odessa City Council.
What should be done if the school management claims that there are no places, but at the same time subtly hints that such a place may appear? In this case, it is recommended to make a request to the Department or the education department of the local self-government body about the availability of free places in a particular school and submit this document (if the availability of free places is confirmed) together with the application for enrollment in the school.
We also recommend submitting any documents and applications in writing so that the second copy of the application is marked as accepted by the authorized body or school. This must be done to confirm that you have submitted such an application at all.
No entrance exams, tests, or interviews are required for enrollment in the first grade: if there are free places, the school must enroll all interested children. If there are not enough places, then after enrolling the "first priority" children, the rest can be enrolled in free places based on the results of the lottery.
By the way, we recommend using the electronic portal to apply for admission to a state or communal school https://school.isuo.org/
Now let's talk about what you need to know if you have chosen a private school. The danger lies in the fact that distinguishing a real private school from a "pseudo-school" is not so simple. A private school must have a license to provide educational services, so it should be asked before making a decision about admission.
The next important moment is the formalization of relations. There can be no talk of any quality and real educational services if you are not offered to conclude a contract for the provision of educational services. It is such an agreement that will be the basis for subsequently proving the provision of poor-quality services or obtaining a refund for non-provided services.
It is in this contract that the cost of services, the procedure for reporting, and the procedure for terminating the contract are fixed. Payment for such services can be made at the school cashier's office or to a bank account. In any case, you should be issued a confirmation of the payment of money with the signature of the director of the institution.
"And remember: if you are not satisfied with the quality of education, there is no need to be silent about it, because it is about the future of your children. If you are in doubt whether or not to sign a contract with a private school, consult a lawyer before signing," Maria Leta concluded.
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