A SERIES of school admission clinics is to be held to help parents "overcome barriers" presented by a new online system.
Thousands of parents applied for school places for their children on the first day of the new system - with a "small number" experiencing difficulties.
The application process launched by the Education Authority (EA) will remain open for the rest of the month.
Parents whose children are starting pre-school or primary school in September 2019 can apply.
The EA has reminded people that places are not allocated on a `first come first served' basis. Schools and play groups will only consider applications after the closing date.
The body is now hosting a series of digital admissions clinics.
It said it recognised the need to provide assisted digital support for some who may lack trust in the service or the internet, confidence to use an online service themselves or the "motivation to overcome these barriers on their own".
The EA said the events were being targeted at areas where there was a high number of newcomer families, high levels of social disadvantage and localities with poor access to broadband.
They will operate on a drop in basis and parents will be assisted in making their application.
Details can be found at www.eani.org.uk/clinicsforparents.
