News and events

Applications are now open for children who are due to start in reception at primary and infant schools across West Sussex in September 2026. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online via School places - West Sussex County Council and the deadline for applications is 15 January 2026. Children born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 are eligible to start school next September.

Children who are currently in Year 2 at an infant school will also need to apply for a place to start a junior school in September next year.

We strongly advise that parents and carers apply on time, before 15 January 2026, which will give them the best chance of being offered one of their three preferences. Those who apply late are far less likely to get a place at one of their three preferred schools and will still need to apply, as they will not automatically be given a place.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: "Supporting individuals and communities to thrive remains a central focus of Our Council Plan, and schools are vital in helping us achieve that goal

"As families consider their school preferences, I strongly encourage them to explore all available information, visit school websites, reach out directly with any questions, and take advantage of open days."

All of the information about applying can be found on the county council website here: School places - West Sussex County Council.

Free use of computers with internet access is available in all West Sussex libraries, where there is no need to book. Those unable to apply online can request a form is e-mailed or sent in the post by calling 033 301 42903.

Parents/carers are advised:

· To include three preference schools on your application, listing them in order of preference.

· Parents/carers who want their child to go to their catchment school (where applicable) will need to include that school as a preference for it to be considered.

· If you apply after the closing date you are far less likely to get a place at one of your preferred schools.

West Sussex County Council admissions staff can offer support to anyone who needs help with their application. Contact the admissions team by phoning 033 301 42903 or email the Admissions Team North: [email protected] or the Admissions Team South: [email protected].

Secondary school applications are currently open for pupils due to start in September 2026. The application window closes on Thursday 31 October 2025 and the application form is available via: Secondary school places - West Sussex County Council.

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

To read all the up and coming events please read our newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/23496cff8cb5/oct-cpc-newsletter

As the days grow shorter and seasonal demand decreases, Recycling Centres across West Sussex will switch to their autumn and winter opening hours from Wednesday 1 October 2025 until Tuesday 31 March 2026.  

During this period, all centres will be open from 9am to 4pm. To reflect reduced visitor numbers, some centres will close for an additional day each week. 

The updated opening days for Burgess hill are: 

• Burgess Hill - Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday 

All centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. 

Before visiting any West Sussex Recycling Centre, residents must book a timed slot. Booking is quick and easy via the Book to Recycle system, or by calling 01243 642106 for those without internet access. Slots can be booked up to 14 days in advance, or on the same day when there is availability. 

If you no longer need your booking, please cancel it using the link in your confirmation email or by phone, so the slot can be offered to someone else.  

To check full opening hours and book a visit, go to: www.westsussex.gov.uk/RC.    Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Adjusting our Recycling Centre hours for autumn and winter helps us manage resources efficiently while continuing to provide a high-quality service to residents. 

“Our easy-to-use Book to Recycle system plays a key role in this, helping to reduce queues and allowing residents to plan their visit. It also provides up-to-date information on when each centre is open, which can be helpful during the revised autumn/winter schedule. 

“Recycling as much as possible reduces waste, saves energy and helps combat climate change. It’s a key part of our Council Plan commitment to protect the environment, and we encourage everyone to recycle as much of their waste as possible.”

A handy A-Z guide on what can and can’t be recycled at the West Sussex Recycling Centres is available on our website: [www.westsussex.gov.uk/recyclingatoz]www.westsussex.gov.uk/recyclingatoz. 

West Sussex Recycling Centres are committed to prioritising reuse as much as possible. All West Sussex Recycling Centres offer a dedicated paint reuse container. Residents can donate paint in good condition (e.g. not dried out), provided there is space in the container. 

The Worthing and Billingshurst Recycling Centres also offer reuse shops, which provide residents with an opportunity to purchase preloved goods and donate items. For more information on Recycling Centre reuse visit our website: www.westsussex.gov.uk/RCReuse.

ENDS

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.

You can now borrow potentially life-saving blood pressure monitors free of charge from all 36 libraries in West Sussex.

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and other diseases, but it is a treatable condition and early detection is key.

The easy-to-use blood pressure monitoring kits can be borrowed for up to three weeks by local library members and used at home to check blood pressure daily.

The kits come with a guide on how to measure blood pressure, interpret the results, and a diary to log them. For low and high blood pressure readings, people are encouraged to contact their GP for further advice and treatment.  Further information to support being healthy is also provided in the kit.  

The initiative is a partnership between West Sussex County Council’s public health and library services and NHS Sussex, with the aim of increasing the detection of undiagnosed hypertension.

Often called ‘the silent killer’ as it usually has no symptoms, high blood pressure can only be detected via a blood pressure check, which is quick and painless.

For many people, there may not be a single cause, but reducing your risk through being a healthy weight, minimising your salt intake, being physically active, drinking within recommended guidelines and stopping smoking can all help reduce your blood pressure. Being aware of your blood pressure and checking it regularly is an important way that you can take charge of your own health and wellbeing.

The West Sussex Wellbeing Programme can support West Sussex people to makes these changes. Delivered by partnership working between district and borough councils and the county council this supports people to maintain and improve their health through practical advice and support that addresses inequalities and supports people to be healthy and well. This programme supports a key priority in Our Council Plan to help people and communities fulfil their potential.

Councillor Bob Lanzer, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “The county council is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our residents so we are delighted to join with our NHS colleagues to roll out this vital initiative which will allow people to measure their blood pressure at home, and if there is a potential problem seek help from their GP.”

Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “This is another superb example of how our libraries support health and wellbeing in our communities and I’m delighted they are able to offer this valuable service which I’m sure will benefit many people.”

Dr Suneeta Kochhar, Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at NHS Sussex, said: “Having raised blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, strokes and chronic kidney disease. Up to a third of people in the UK may be unaware that they have raised blood pressure, this is because most people do not have any symptoms. This means that the only way to detect this is by having a blood pressure check. A blood pressure check can be done at your GP surgery, local community pharmacy or through initiatives like the library blood pressure monitor loans in West Sussex.”

From East Grinstead to East Preston and Southwater to Southwick, find your nearest library.

Not a library member yet? It’s free and easy to join if you live, work or study in the county.

For support with health and wellbeing for adults who live or work in West Sussex, please contact an advisor at your local wellbeing hub or find out more at West Sussex Wellbeing www.westsussexwellbeing.org.uk

For further information please contact the news desk on 0330 222 8090 or email [email protected]. For urgent out-of-hours enquiries please call 07767 098415.