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Agenda item

School Admission Arrangements 2020-2021

To carry out pre-decision scrutiny of the proposals to set the School Admission Arrangements for 2021-2021

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed Councillor Sarah Merry (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Education, Employment and Skills, and Nick Batchelar (Director, Education and Lifelong Learning) and Michele Duddridge Hossain (Operational Manager, School Organisational Planning) to the meeting.

 

The Chairperson invited Councillor Merry to make a statement.  This was an annual report to Cabinet, the arrangements go out of consultation every year.  It had been recognised previously that there had been a growth in pupil numbers, as a result a review had been undertaken into school admission criteria.  Currently a coordinated admission policy is being operated, although three schools in the area are not taking part.  It would be in everyone’s interest if all schools took part. 

 

The Committee were invited to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the information received.  Those discussions were summarised as follows:

 

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Members asked about the number of preferences for schools parents enter on the application form.  It was note that parents can put up to 5 preferences, whilst there has been an increase in the number of preferences parents record some are still unrealistic about their choices.  The guidance on completion has improved however, it is accepted that there needs to be more support in some areas going forward.

 

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Members raised the issue of the quality of the welsh language translation on the online application system and were advised that a lot of work has now been undertaken in to the quality of the translation in house and it has also been raised with Capita, one of the examples of the changes made is rather than yes or no, ticks and crosses are now being used to avoid confusion.

 

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Concerns were raised about the consultation method; it is difficult for people to understand precisely what is being consulted upon. 

The Committee were advised that there is a real challenge in terms of actual alternatives and amendments cannot be made without them having been consulted on.  There is always an issue in terms of making the consultation clear and understandable.  Members queried whether, particularly if the proposed changes were minor that the changes be highlighted in the consultation separately to enable the public to clearly see the changes. 

 

 

Members discussed admission numbers, school preference, segregation and the need to review the admission policy. Members noted that parents will make different judgements when applying for school placed.  There is a need to try and deal with the issues that drive parental anxiety.  Catchments areas will have to considered in due course bearing in mind the expansion of places.

 

AGREED:  That the Chair writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations discussed during the Way Forward.

Supporting documents:

 

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