Please could I have a copy of
1. The Devon County Council (DCC) school admissions policy relating to secondary places September 2022 showing the amendments and considerations relating to Ukrainian refugees and the impact of this unprecedented and continued demand on school places for September 2022.
The normal round co-ordinated admissions scheme for admission in 2022-23 is published on this Devon County Council webpage. It was determined in February 2021 under the terms of the School Admissions Code 2014, as amended 2021. The co-ordinated scheme is in place to set a consistent, objective framework for all applications to be processed. The scheme makes provision for late arrivals into the area with fresh applications, as does the in-year co-ordinated admissions scheme which applies to new arrivals from 1 September.
2. Information on the steps/allowances and decisions that have been made by DCC to address the unprecedented demand Homes for Ukrainian will have on all school places in September 2022.
Discussions have taken place with oversubscribed schools across the county to identify capacity to increase Published Admissions Numbers (PAN) where possible.
3. If no admission policy changes have been made, information relating to why it was not considered necessary to alter DCC admission guidance.
School admission arrangements are in place to consider all children equally, using consistent and objective criteria.
4. If no policy changes have been made, information relating to why pre determined admission numbers have not been relaxed to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.
Amending a published admission number would be an amendment to policy. The decision by the admission authority for a school or academy to increase a PAN has implications for all outstanding and future applications for the school, for prejudice to efficient education or the efficient use of resources at the school, and the capability to defend admission appeals.
5. The advice and guidance given by DCC to secondary schools on extending admission numbers to accommodate Ukrainian refugees and any flexibilities therein.
Increases in the Published Admission Number for a secondary school should be considered wherever there is sufficient demand, access to necessary accommodation and to teaching and support resources to enable an additional form of entry to be opened. Increasing the number of places offered without the support structure of a further form of entry increases class sizes and overcrowding and impacts on the quality of education for all.
6. The advice and guidance given by DCC to secondary schools on Ukrainian refugee admissions for September 2022.
There have been no legislative changes which make provision for larger class sizes in response to the arrival of refugees from Ukraine or elsewhere. At stage one of an appeal, the Admissions Appeal Panel would consider whether a school is full, has admission arrangements that are lawful and have been considered objectively and fairly applied in the circumstances of all appellants. At stage two, the Panel would look at individual circumstances, whether the detriment to a child by not being at the school outweighs prejudice to efficient education or the efficient use of resources.
7. The impact assessment including consideration of mental health impact on Ukrainian children with exceptional medical or social needs and how this will be considered in appeals to admissions.
Any applicant can make a case for an exceptional need to attend most schools in Devon on social or medical grounds. Each case is considered on its own merits and may result in higher priority for admission.
8. Details on how exceptional medical or social needs are determined and assessed at appeal and how weighted when making an appeal decision.
Where exceptional need to attend a particular school is considered, it is by the admission authority. It will consider whether the applicant has or has not made a compelling case that only that school can meet the child’s need or that of the parent. This is on the merits of the individual case. The appeal process is a separate process and questions should be directed to the panel.
9. The number of successful appeals to Chulmleigh Secondary school in the last 3 years.
Seven.
10. How the admissions policy is applied by officers at DCC in order to meet the mandatory provisions in the school Admissions Code and the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. To include communicating with parents and additional steps taken to ensure those that don’t speak English can understand the process and be informed of decisions.
Translation services are available where requested or where it appears to be necessary from the application that is received.
11. What guidance DCC has been given to secondary schools on whether additional children would ‘prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources’. (Appeals Code Para 2.9).
Appeals Code 2.9 relates to the case put forward by the admission authority to the hearing. The Chulmleigh Academy Trust is the admission authority. Generally, the Local Authority will seek a view from each school or academy on why it believes there would be prejudice to efficient education or the efficient use of resources, notwithstanding whether or not an admission limit has been reached.
12. What guidance is available to appeals panels on deciding whether additional Ukrainian refugees children would ‘prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources’. (Appeals Code Para 2.9).
This is a matter for response by the Appeals Panels. The Local Authority would consider every child equally with regard to prejudice to efficient education or the efficient use of resources.
13. What changes have been made to the guidance in regard to appeals on deciding whether additional children would ‘prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources’. (Appeals Code Para 2.9) when an application is made by a Ukrainian refugee.
See the response to question 12. Where refusal to admit is based on the school being full, such that there would be prejudice to efficient education or the efficient use of resources, that would be the case for any further admission, including those with an identified vulnerability in legislation, as set out in the School Admissions Code. For in-year admissions, all refugees who have difficulty in securing a school place are considered to be vulnerable and eligible for consideration under a Fair Access Protocol. This applies regardless of the child’s origin, from Ukraine or elsewhere.