Agenda item

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report presents for consideration the findings and subsequent recommendations following a recent public consultation concerning Admission Arrangements for academic year 2016/17.

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Phil Beswick on Tel: 474 3832 or email: phil.beswick@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) presenting findings and subsequent recommendations following a recent public consultation concerning the admission arrangements for the academic year 2016/2017.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The challenge faced by the Local Authority in the next three to four years in both the primary and secondary sector caused by rising birth rates and inward migration.

·         The Panel noted that the results of the consultation exercise were mixed.

·         Concern was expressed at the potential impact to the change of policy on transitional siblings and that many children may not be able to follow their elder siblings to the same school should they change catchment area. A number of Councillors did not agree with the proposals detailed in the report.

·         The Committee acknowledged that the Council had to take appropriate action in view of the rulings made by the Schools Adjudicator in 2013 and 2014 concerning school catchment areas in the Heatons.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Executive be requested to take into account the views expressed by the Scrutiny Committee when making their decision.