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Greater clarity for summer born admissions?

greater clarity for summer born admissions?

1 August 2013

The DfE has published new guidance to clarify questions arising from the admission of summer born children into primary schools. The current School Admissions Code 2012 provides that although a child is not legally required to attend school until they are 5, every 4 year old is entitled to a school place. The new guidance states that admission authorities must carefully consider any parental request for a part-time place in reception or for a summer born child to start in reception when they turn 5. Any admission policies running contrary to the individual approach will be subject to challenge.

Whilst this further clarification is potentially good news for parents, it does not guarantee a successful application and there are limited rights of redress given that appeal panels will not have jurisdiction to deal with refusals where a place at the school, and not the year group, was offered. Admission authorities will also need to give consideration to their admission policy and ensure that the terms do comply with this further guidance and make the necessary alterations as soon as possible.

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Richard Freeth

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