Dear Headteacher

Although a paper form is enclosed, this year the DfES are again encouraging schools to use the DfES Internet Website to enter the data for the September Class Size count survey in preference to returning the paper form. This will enable validation checks to be made on the data as it is entered, rather than when the data is received by the DfES, thus reducing the need to telephone schools as part of their error correction action. This process will speed up the collection of the data as well as ensuring that good quality data is collected. Once your data has been entered and accepted on the DfES Internet Website, it will be forwarded to the Management Information Centre. The September Class Size count survey website data entry facility will be available from 19^th September 2002.

To use this facility, you should connect via your Internet Browser (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer) to www.dfes.gov.uk/datacollection.

Your username and password will be sent in the post and will be needed to gain access to the site, please note that these are upper and lower case sensitive. Once you have gained access to the site you should go to the 'Help and Support' section and follow the link to 'How To Fill In A Survey'. This provides useful information on the steps required to complete the September Class Size count survey.

The deadline for web based submissions is Thursday 3rd October. Paper submissions must reach the Management Information Centre no later than 26^th September 2002. If there are any problems in using the website you should contact the DfES Helpdesk on 01325 392626.

You will receive your User Name and Password in the post.

Thank you

JANE GREENWOOD

Team Leader (Data Collection), Room B28, Management Information Centre, County Hall.