There is a common application system between councils

Parents' group the National Confederation of PTAs are asking schools to warn parents of possible delays to posted school applications.

Common application forms listing choices have to reach most local authorities by 19 October.

Some schools, including faith schools, require additional forms to be sent directly to them.

Applications to the independent sector are made later in the year and forms for state primaries are due in the new year.

A 48-hour strike by postal workers began at noon and another is planned for next Monday, if there is no breakthrough in talks.

Alerting parents

Margaret Morrissey, of the NCPTA said: "This can be a stressful time for parents, with settling children into schools and applying for secondary places for the older ones.

"A postal strike between now and when forms are due could be the last straw.

"I think schools should be alerting parents, maybe sending a note home, encouraging them to get their forms in early or to apply online if they have access to a computer."

Not all parents will need to use the post system for an application. Parents can often apply online.

Many councils or education authorities advise parents to hand their forms in to their child's primary school offices, who pass on the forms.

But if a child goes to a primary school in another local authority's area, parents will need to get their form to their "home" council - on paper or online.

Some councils have been making contingency plans. Hampshire County Council, for example, says it has been well aware of the prospective difficulties.

A spokesperson said: "The authority issues reminders to all parents as the deadline approaches, mostly through our schools but also by sending out 'chasing' letters.

"This year the letters will be sent early, reminding parents of the deadline and advising them that if they have any practical difficulty in returning their forms they can personally deliver them to any school before or on the deadline date."