Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Notes the findings from a review by officers of the school admissions criteria for community schools in Hillingdon.

2.      Considers the proposals for changes to be made to the school admissions criteria and authorises officers to undertake a full consultation exercise in relation to them.

3.      Agrees to receive a further report at its February 2016 meeting for the purpose of considering the consultation responses and determining a set of new admissions criteria for community schools in Hillingdon which are to take effect from 1 September 2017.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was aware of the statutory responsibility upon the Council to secure sufficient early years and school places to meet the needs of children resident in the Borough. Cabinet considered a comprehensive review of admissions to primary school places at Hillingdon schools over the last four years and noted that there was a residual risk that some children may not be prioritised for a school place by virtue of where they lived in the Borough relative to local schools. It was noted that the proposals were intended to be reasonable, clear, objective, procedurally fair and complied with all relevant legislation to mitigate this potential future risk.

After due consideration, Cabinet recommended a full and proper public consultation on a number of proposed changes to the school admissions criteria for community schools in order to ensure priority is given to children to access places at schools as close to their home as possible.

It was noted that the results of the consultation would be reported back to Cabinet in February 2016 before any decision was made.

Alternative options considered and rejected

In recommending the proposals, Cabinet had considered options to address the risk that a small number of children living in Hillingdon may not be guaranteed a school place as close to their home as possible.

Officer to action:

Dan Kennedy, Residents Services

Classification: Public

The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.