Ensuring that vulnerable children are allocated a school place (Fair Access Protocol)
Section 1. Looked after children
The Admissions Code requires all schools and academies to give priority of admission to looked-after children.
The LA will monitor this through the annual admissions consultation and must challenge any school that does not comply with this requirement.
Key Stage 1
If the preferred school is full, the LA will either admit (VC/Community), direct (VA/F) or request admission (academy) to the nearest catchment school or to the nearest school.
Key Stage 2 and 3
Whilst the LA will always endeavour to place a child in a school where there is a vacancy, parental preference may dictate an admission to a full school, thereby resulting in a school exceeding its admission number.
Key Stage 4
Whilst the LA will always endeavour to place a child in a school where there is a vacancy, parental preference may dictate an admission to a full school, thereby resulting in a school exceeding its admission number. Schools need to be aware that a consideration of curriculum options and continuity is a factor when deciding on the appropriate school.