Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Roberts introduced the report which provided details on the outcome of the statutory consultation exercise on the admission arrangements for September 2022.

            The consultation process took place between 11^th December 2020 and 29^th January 2021 and no comments were received.  There were no changes proposed to the admission arrangements.  The proposed admissions timetable had been drawn up in consultation with neighbouring authorities and took into account factors such as allowing parents sufficient time to visit schools and express their preferences and the time needed to process applications. The timetable also incorporated the “common offer dates” prescribed by the School Admissions Code.

            As part of the consultation, Headteachers were asked if there had been any changes to the accommodation at their schools which could necessitate a review of their Admission Number.  No requests had been received and therefore there were no changes proposed to any Admission Numbers for 2022/23.

            Councillor Roberts urged parents and carers to ensure that their application forms were submitted by the deadline, adding that 96% of school children were given their first choice of school.  The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) explained that schools assisted parents and carers in that process with providing them with details of approaching deadlines.  Support was also offered for help to complete any forms if required.  In response to a question, the Chief Officer explained that the admissions policy made the school transport policy and eligibility criteria clear which parents and carers had to acknowledge before the form could be submitted.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed admission arrangements for 2022/23 be approved.