Agenda item

(Item B5 – Mr Scott Bradshaw, Head of Admissions and Transport was present for this item)

(1)    Mr Bagshaw submitted a report which reminded Members that on 6 February 2008 Cabinet had determined the Admissions Arrangements to Primary and Secondary schools for 2009 entry.  Some Admissions Authorities within Kent had objected to the proposed admissions arrangements and as a result KCC did not have agreement on coordination.  In these circumstances it fell to the Secretary of State to impose a scheme and the DCSF were presently conducting a consultation with a view to taking a decision on the scheme by the end of May 2009.

(2)    The issues covered included the following:-

·              Mr Bagshaw, in response to a question, explained that there was a requirement for Kent to share information with other neighbouring authorities as there were 2,000 cross border movements.

·              In response to a question Mr Bagshaw explained that the revised timing of the test had been established working back from the closing date for the Common Application Form.  This would ensure that parents make their choice based on test results.

·              Mr Bagshaw emphasised that officers were trying to give parents test information prior to them making a choice of secondary school but in order to do that it was necessary to move the test date.

·              Questions were asked in relation to the new appeals code which meant that Members could no longer attend appeal hearings with parents as it was perceived that they may have a conflict of interest if it was a local authority school.  Mr Bagshaw referred to the Choice Adviser Service which was an advice and help line for parents.  It was not intended to replace the Members’ role in relation to giving advice and support outside of hearings to parents.  It was still possible for Members to advice parents informally but they could not attend the actual hearing with the parent’s.

·              Concern was expressed by Mr Parr that the Admissions Forum in Kent had not been given adequate time to discuss this issue and he did not feel that the Admissions Forum’s views had been fully taken into account.  Mr Bagshaw replied that papers were taken to the Admissions Forum and time was allocated to look at them.  However, it was important that papers went forward quickly to the Secretary of State once it became clear that consensus could not be reached.  He stated that opinion at the Forum was also divided on this issue.

·              In response to a question from Mrs Angell, Mr Bagshaw confirmed that the DCFS could require KCC to go back to its original January testing system but he did emphasise that the proposal to move the date of testing forward took account of the schools admissions code.

·              Mr Bristow asked if, for admissions arrangements the date of appointment could be used as date of residence.  Mr Bagshaw advised that he believed there were some provisions of this nature for service personnel within the admissions code and that he and would seek to establish if similar arrangements for the clergy are appropriate.

(3)    RESOLVED That:-

         (a)    the developing situation in relation to the admission arrangements in Kent be noted.

         (b)    the questions asked by Members and the responses be noted.