TWO families have had offers of places at a Jewish nursery in Edgware taken away from them because of an error by Barnet Council officials.

Last week two families were told they did not have coveted spots at Rosh Pinah School’s nursery for their children after officers made an error in distance calculations.

Admissions officers from the council had been asked to measure the distances from candidate’s homes to the school using their equipment, but put in co-ordinates to the wrong campus.

When the error came to light the families were told they did not have places, leaving them scrambling to find alternative provision for their children.

However, after the problem was flagged up to the council they have said they will pay for two extra places at the nursery in Glengall Road, a feeder for the main primary school in Mowbray Road.

Barbara Hotz, chairman of governors at the school, said she could not comment on whether the offer of extra places would be taken up until the board of governors has had a chance to discuss it.

She added: “The council has acknowledged it has made an error. We are sympathetic, but I’m not prepared to discuss individual cases. As soon as the committee can meet we will discuss it.”