Decision details

To consider the responses to the consultation on proposed changes to Surrey’s admissions arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools and coordinated schemes for September 2019 and to determine Surrey’s admissions arrangements and coordinated schemes for 2019.

RESOLVED:

 

It is recommended that Cabinet make the following recommendations to the County Council:

 

Recommendation 1

That the published admissions number for Reception at Cranmere Primary School is decreased from 90 to 60 for September 2019.

 

Reasons for Decision

·        It is supported by the Headteacher and Governing Body of the school, albeit they would have preferred a reduction in PAN to 30

• There would still be sufficient places for local children if the PAN is decreased
• It would help support other local schools in maintaining pupil numbers
• It would help the school plan its classes and resources

·        It would have no impact on children who are currently on roll at the school

Recommendation 2

That the published admissions number for Reception at William Cobbett Primary School is decreased from 40 to 30 for September 2019.

 

Reasons for Decision

·        It is supported by the Headteacher and Governing Body of the school

• There would still be sufficient places for local children if the PAN is decreased
• It would help support other local schools in maintaining pupil numbers

·        It would make organisation of the school more effective

·        It would make appeals easier to defend under Infant Class Size legislation

·        It would have no impact on children who are currently on roll at the school

 

Recommendation 3

That a feeder link is introduced to The Dawnay School from Polesden Lacey Infant School at Year 3 for September 2019, as follows:

 

a.     Looked after and previously looked after children

b.     Exceptional social/medical need

c.      Siblings

d.     Children attending Polesden Lacey Infant School

e.     Children for whom The Dawnay School is the nearest school to their home address

f.       Any other children

 

Reasons for Decision

• There was overall support for this change

·        It is supported by Governors at Polesden Lacey and The Dawnay schools

·        It would align the arrangements for The Dawnay School with Eastwick Junior Schoolso that both are seen as destination schools for children attending Polesden Lacey Infant School

• It would provide continuity and a clearer transition for parents, children and schools and would reduce anxiety for parents
• It would maximise the opportunity for families to keep children at schools with agreed links

·        It is consistent with Surrey’s planning principles set out in the School Organisation Plan

·        Eligibility to transport is not linked to the admission criteria of a school and as such attendance at The Dawnay School would not confer an automatic right to transport to Polesden Lacey Infant School

Recommendation 4

That a feeder link is introduced to Reigate Priory School from Dovers Green and Holmesdale Community infant schools on a tiered basis for September 2019, as follows:

 

a.   Looked after and previously looked after children

b.   Exceptional social/medical need

c.    Siblings for whom Reigate Priory School is the nearest to their home address

d.   Children attending either Dovers Green or Holmesdale Community infant schools for whom Reigate Priory School is the nearest to their home address

e.   Other siblings

f.     Other children attending either Dovers Green or Holmesdale Community infant schools

g.   Any other children

 

Reasons for Decision

• There was overall support for this change

·        It is supported by the Headteacher and Governors at Reigate Priory School and Dovers Green and Holmesdale Community infant schools

·        It would introduce a feeder link for Dovers Green and Holmesdale Community infant schools where currently none exist

• It would provide continuity and a clearer transition for parents, children and schools and would reduce anxiety for parents
• It would maximise the opportunity for families to keep children at schools with agreed links
• Children would be less likely to be offered a place from other local primary schools, thus preventing unnecessary movement between schools and creating more stability in the area

·        It is consistent with Surrey’s planning principles set out in the School Organisation Plan

• Eligibility to transport is not linked to the admission criteria of a school and as such attendance at Dovers Green and Holmesdale Community infant schools would not confer an automatic right to transport to Reigate Priory School

 

Recommendation 5

That the Published Admission Numbers (PAN) for September 2019 for all other community and voluntary controlled schools are determined as they are set out in Appendix 1 of Enclosure 1 which includes the following change:

i)       Oakwood School – increase in Year 7 PAN from 270 to 300

Reasons for Decision

·        Oakwood School is increasing its intake to respond to the need to create more school places

·        Any increase to PAN would help meet parental preference

·        All other PANs remain as determined for 2018 which enables parents to have some historical benchmark by which to make informed decisions about their school preferences

·        The School Commissioning team supports the PANs

 

Recommendation 6

That the aspects of Surrey’s admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for September 2019, for which no change is proposed, are agreed as set out in Enclosure 1 and its appendices.

 

Reasons for Decision

• The existing arrangements are working well
• This would ensure stability and consistency for the majority of Surrey’s parents, pupils and schools
• The arrangements enable parents to have some historical benchmark by which to make informed decisions about their school preferences
• The arrangements enable the majority of pupils to attend their nearest schools and in doing so reduces travel and supports Surrey’s sustainability policies
• Changes highlighted in bold in sections 8 a) i), 11, 12, 13, and 15 of Enclosure 1 which have not otherwise been referenced in this report, have been made to add clarity to the admission arrangements
• Changes to the schools which will not be taken in to account in the assessment of nearest school, as set out in Appendix 3 of Enclosure 1, have been determined by the definition set out in paragraph 12 of Enclosure 1

 

NB Changes to PAN that are highlighted in bold in Appendix 1 of Enclosure 1 are referenced in Recommendations 1, 2 and 5

 

Recommendation 7

That the primary and secondary coordinated admission schemes that will apply to all schools for 2019 are agreed as set out in Enclosure 2. 

 

Reasons for Decision

·        The coordinated schemes for 2019 are essentially the same as 2018 with dates updated

• The coordinated schemes would enable the County Council to meet its statutory duties regarding school admissions
• The coordinated schemes are working well
• Changes highlighted in bold in Enclosure 2 add clarity and are in line with the schemes proposed by other local authorities participating in the Pan London coordinated admissions process