Decision details

(Councillors D Brickhill and P Mason had declared personal interests in this item.   In accordance with the Constitution they remained in the meeting during its consideration.)

Consideration was given to the report of the Block Lead (People) advising the Shadow Authority on its statutory duty and powers in relation to school admissions, and seeking key decisions in respect of admissions processes, the formulation and determination of an admissions policy, admissions forums and areas.

RESOLVED

For the reasons set out in the report: -

1. That approval be given to the continuation from 1 April 2009 until 31 August 2009 of the pan-Cheshire delivery by the current admissions service of the process relating to admissions and appeals for the September 2009 intake (which commenced in June 2008) and relates to the current determined admissions policy and coordinated scheme. The admissions team to then be disaggregated on a phased basis from 1 September 2009, subject to both new LAs satisfying themselves that they have in place suitable staffing and systems arrangements to ensure delivery of their statutory duties.

2. That approval be given to the commencement by the County Council of the formulation of the September 2010 policy and the statutory consultation process on this, which must be completed by 1 March 09 (with determination by the statutory date of 15 April 2009).

3. That approval be given to immediate action* to set up two separate Admissions Forums to be established by Autumn 2008 in line with the proposed timetable shown at para 7.4. in order that each LA can be advised on issues and policies in relation to its local area and local schools. (*i.e. determines the constitution and membership in line with statutory requirements and approves the commencement of seeking new nominations, including nominations from existing members of the pan-Cheshire Forum).

4. That approval be given to the drawing up by the County Council of proposals in liaison with the existing admissions forum for the ‘relevant area’ (or areas), which will be subject to a 30-day consultation period prior to determination.