PARENTS who are still looking for places for their children in school in 2006, can still approach the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) for assistance.

The WCED will hold Open Days at each of its district offices tomorrow (Saturday 26 November), from 09h00 to 13h00, to provide an opportunity for parents to seek assistance in applying for admission to schools in the province.

The Open Days follow an extensive Early Enrolment Campaign in August and September, when the WCED appealed to parents to apply for admission for their children to school before 23 September.

The Open Days are taking place at the Education Management ands Development Centres (EMDCs) in each of the seven education districts in the province.

Parents can telephone the WCED’s Enrolment toll-free number at 0800-2005-06 to find out the address and telephone number of the EMDC closest to their homes.

Said Education MEC Cameron Dugmore: "We are aware that some parents are still looking for places for their children, and we are therefore having this Open Day to provide another opportunity for parents to approach the department.

"It is absolutely essential that parents apply for admission before the end of the year for the following year, to ensure that their children are in school from the first day of term.

"Our EMDCs are working closely with schools to match learners to available places wherever possible. We want to ensure that teaching starts from the first day of term.

"Our schools and support structures must also have a clear idea of final numbers before the end of the year, to ensure proper planning to enhance the quality of education of our learners.

"By working together, we can all help to build a learning home for all our children".

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938.