Agenda item - School Admission Arrangements 2021/22

Report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning (copy to follow).

RESOLVED –

1.         That no changes to the council’s school admission arrangements or school catchment areas, except for the changes listed in sub-paragraphs 2.2 – 2.5 below, which will result in a reduction in the total of school places in the city by 128 places, be made by committee.

2.         That a change to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for West Hove Infant School (Connaught Road site) from 90 pupils to 60 pupils be agreed by committee.

3.         That a change to the PAN for Hove Junior School (Holland Road site) from 128 pupils to 90 pupils be agreed by committee.

4.         That a change of PAN for Mile Oak Primary School from 90 pupils to 60 pupils be agreed by Committee.

5.         That a change of PAN for Hangleton Primary School from 90 pupils to 60 pupils be agreed by Committee.

6.         That no change to the ‘relevant area’ be made by Committee.

7.         Requests the Cross-Party School Organisation Working Group work to continue to develop a long-term strategy to review the ongoing surplus of primary school places in the city, looking too at the future surplus of places in secondary schools.

49.1    The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning, regarding school admission arrangements for 2020/21. The report was introduced by the Head of School Organisation and the Head of Education Standards & Achievement.

49.2    The Committee were advised that the proposal was not a reflection of schools. It was stated that the projected number of pupils was set to rise and that BHCC had employed a complex methodology to accurately forecast numbers. It was clarified that admission arrangements prioritised children closest to schools.

49.3    On behalf of the Green Group, Councillor Hills moved a motion to add a recommendation 2.7 as shown in bold italics below:

2.7       That committee requests the Cross-Party School Organisation Working Group work towards develoing a long-term strategy to review the ongoing surplus of primary school places in the city, looking too at the future surplus of places in secondary schools.

49.4    Councillor Nield formally seconded the motion.

49.5    Councillor Clare sought clarification of the use of the term “permanent” within the context of the report.

49.6    The Head of School Organisation referred to the school admission code that required PAN for each entry. It was stated that the code allowed for admission authorities to exceed PAN without consultation. It was noted that a reduction would necessitate a consultation and that the use of “permanent” was in regard to the set number that could be exceeded but that would need to follow procedure to be reduced.

49.7    Councillor Hamilton referred to potential issues that would arise in the near future, it was stated that there was no option other than that some places would need to be removed from schools. It was stated that by 2023 there would be a lot of spaces.

49.8    Councillor Nield requested clarity on what would happen if changes were not made.

49.9    The Head of School Organisation stated that an application would need to be submitted to an adjudicator and that a consultation with all schools in the area would be necessary along with provision of evidence of the decisions made and reasons for this. It was further noted that following the review a judgement would be made in line with requirements as per the aforementioned code.

49.10  Councillor Simson expressed concern with the amendment.

49.11  Councillor Hills clarified that that this was in regard to the near future closer to 3 or 4 years.

49.12  The Head of School Organisation stated that every year BHCC were able to consult on admission arrangements. A brief overview of the PAN numbers was given and it was stated that this was not necessarily final.

49.13  Councillor Brown noted the increasing number of spaces placing more costs on schools. It was noted that School Heads viewed that they were not represented properly.

49.14  Councillor Knight enquired if, following an agreement of the Green Group Amendment, Committee would accept to amend 2.7 to read as below in bold:

2.7       Requests the Cross-Party School Organisation Working Group work towards to continue to developing develop a long-term strategy to review the ongoing surplus of primary school places in the city, looking too at the future surplus of places in secondary schools.

49.15  Councillor Hills agreed to the amendment.

49.16  RESOLVED – That the Committee agreed:

1.         That no changes to the council’s school admission arrangements or school catchment areas, except for the changes listed in sub-paragraphs 2.2 – 2.5 below, which will result in a reduction in the total of school places in the city by 128 places, be made by committee.

2.         That a change to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for West Hove Infant School (Connaught Road site) from 90 pupils to 60 pupils be agreed by committee.

3.         That a change to the PAN for Hove Junior School (Holland Road site) from 128 pupils to 90 pupils be agreed by committee.

4.         That a change of PAN for Mile Oak Primary School from 90 pupils to 60 pupils be agreed by Committee.

5.         That a change of PAN for Hangleton Primary School from 90 pupils to 60 pupils be agreed by Committee.

6.         That no change to the ‘relevant area’ be made by Committee.

7.         Requests the Cross-Party School Organisation Working Group work to continue to develop a long-term strategy to review the ongoing surplus of primary school places in the city, looking too at the future surplus of places in secondary schools.