Welcome to Blackburn with Darwen's

Families Information Service Online


Using the links below, parents and carers can:

  • apply for a primary or secondary school place for September 2023 from Thursday 1 September 2022
  • apply NOW to check if your two year old child can access 15 hours free early education
  • find out more about 30 hours free childcare for three and four year old children and check your eligibility on the Government website
  • search for early years childcare for children aged 0-5 years and out of school and holiday childcare for school aged children
  • find out about further information and services for children, young people and their families


Start a new school admissions application

Primary and Secondary School Admissions for September 2023

The online portal will be open from Thursday 1 September 2022 for primary, junior and secondary school applications. The closing dates for applications are:

  • Primary - 15 January 2023
  • Junior - 15 January 2023
  • Secondary - 31 October 2022


View an existing application

Primary and Secondary School Admissions for September 2023

To view details of a current application please click here.  If you have not yet started your application, please click on the link in the above box. 


In-Year School Applications (Opens in New Window)

Find out how to apply for an in Year Transfer to another school if you are either:

  • moving into Blackburn with Darwen and need a school place for your child; OR
  • if your child is already attending a Blackburn with Darwen school and you want to change schools.

You cannot apply for an In Year Transfer to another school using this online Parent Portal.

Do You Have a 2 Year Old?

Your child could receive up to 570 hours of funded early education per year! Click here to check your eligibility now.

30 Hours Free Childcare for 3&4 Year Olds (Opens in New Window)
Use this service to apply for a code to get 30 hours free childcare for your 3 or 4 year old child. 
30 Hours Free Childcare for Children in Foster Care (Opens in New Window)
Apply for 30 hours Free Childcare for 3 and 4 children in foster care. If you are applying for your own children use the Government childcare service. 
Detailed Childcare Search
To create a tailored list of childcare providers click here. 
Quick Search: Funded Early Education
Use this search route to find childcare providers who offer two, three and four year old funded early education places in Blackburn and Darwen.
Quick Search: Ofsted Inspection Outcome
Use this search route to find childcare providers by their Ofsted Inspection Outcome in Blackburn and Darwen. 
Quick Search: Holiday Childcare
Use this search to find out of school clubs in the borough offering holiday childcare.
Childcare Choices (Opens in New Window)
Information on Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have babies, toddlers or teens, find the right support for you.
Children's Centres (Opens in New Window)
The children's centres offer a range of services and activities for all parent, carers and children. For more information  please click on this link.
Local Offer (Opens in New Window)
Supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities aged 0-25 and their families.
re:fresh (Opens in New Window)

re-fresh is Blackburn with Darwen's resource for health and wellbeing information and services.