Agenda item

To receive the report from the Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services on the outcome of the consultation on the proposed scheme for admission to Primary and Secondary schools in September 2016 including the proposed process for non-coordinated In-Year Admissions.

(Report by Mr R Gough, Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform, and Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People’s Services)

(Mr S Bagshaw, Head of Fair Access, was also present for this item)

1.             The Corporate Director, Mr Leeson, introduced a report on the outcome of the consultation on the proposed scheme for admission to Primary and Secondary School in September 2016 including the proposed process for non-coordinated In-Year Admissions which would be determined by Cabinet.

2.            The Head of Fair Access, Mr Bagshaw, highlighted that there were no proposals that changed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools.  There were minor changes including Ramsgate Primary School to introduce a linked arrangement and consultations were being held presently, which may result in minor changes to the report.

3.            Mr Leeson and Mr Bagshaw noted comments and responded to questions as follows:-

a)     Mr Bagshaw advised that the local authority did consult with neighbouring authorities most conformed to the nationally set term dates.

b)     Mr Bagshaw advised that the local authority has the authority to direct schools to take children in care.  There was mostly a good understanding from schools as the local authority would not want to put a child in the wrong place.

c)      Mr Leeson advised that due to the exceptional pressures in Thanet on primary school places the local authority would speak with the placing authority about not placing children in Thanet.  This was not a special rule but was appropriate to manage the situation and it would not be appropriate to make a reference to this in the Admissions documentation. Mr Bagshaw advised that there was clear legislation on this matter; these were arrangements for school settings and not beyond.

d)     Mr Leeson confirmed that the local authority was obliged by law not to exceed 30 in a class at Key Stage 1 but in exceptional circumstances for Key Stage 2 also.

4.            RESOLVED that:-

a)    the responses to questions by Members be noted; and

b)    the Education and Young People’s Cabinet Committee endorsed the proposed decision to be made by Cabinet to accept and determine:

i)       the Coordinated Primary Admissions Scheme 2016/17 incorporating the In Year admissions process as detailed in Appendix A of the report.

ii)      the Coordinated Secondary Admissions Scheme 2016/17 incorporating the In Year admissions process as detailed in Appendix B of the report.

iii)     the oversubscribed criteria relating to Community and Voluntary Controlled Infant, Junior and Primary schools in Kent 2016/17 as detailed in Appendix C (1) of the report.

iv)     the oversubscribed criteria relating to Community and Voluntary Controlled Secondary schools in Kent 2016/17 as detailed in Appendix D (1) of the report.

v)      the Published Admissions Number for Community and Voluntary Controlled Infant, Junior and Primary Schools 2016/17 as set out in Appendix C (2)

vi)    the Published Admissions Number for Community and Voluntary Controlled Secondary Schools 2016/17 as set out in appendix D (2).

vii)    the relevant statutory consultation areas for Kent Primary School 2016/17 as detailed in Appendix C (3) and the relevant statutory consultation areas for Kent Secondary Schools 2016/17 as set out in appendix D (3).