ALL of the children whose parents applied for places in reception classes have been guaranteed a place, it has been confirmed.

There was a record number of applications for children to begin school in the borough this year, with more children than there were places.

Seven schools have been expanded and given an extra teacher to cope and the demand has been met, Barnet Council said today.

Space has been created for an extra 158 places, on top of the 60 extra places that had already been planned before the latest round of applications.

The authority has now sent a letter to every parent who requested a reception place for their child, informing them which school they will be admitted to.

Councillor Fiona Bulmer, cabinet member for children's services, said; "This year has seen an unprecedented demand for primary school places across London.

"It has been a real challenge to respond to this demand but I am very pleased that the council has been able to act so quickly to ensure that Barnet's children will all have a place at primary school in September."

Three weeks ago parents who placed these schools in their first and second preferences, but did not get a place in the initial round of applications, were offered places at the schools that are being expanded.

Once places were accepted that in turn freed up places in other schools, enabling the remaining unallocated children to be offered a place within a school.