The report seeks Executive approval to commence consultation on Admission Arrangements for 2014/15, specifically the local authority’s co-ordinated admissions scheme and the local authority’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools.

1.      That the situation regarding Greenleas School referred to in agenda item 12 be noted.

2.      That the commencement of consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s co-ordinated admissions scheme as set out in the report be approved.

3.      That the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the academic year 2014/15 be approved.

4.      That the commencement of the consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the academic year 2014/15 be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that sought approval to commence consultation on Admission Arrangements for 2014/15, specifically the Council’s co-ordinated admissions scheme and admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools.  Members noted the proposal to remove the catchment areas for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools and to move to an open admissions policy.

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services advised Members that the Council would only pay travel expenses to the nearest available school and therefore if Academies take children from other areas, the Academies should make this clear to the parents.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet its statutory obligations to consult on admission arrangements.

RESOLVED

1.      that the situation regarding Greenleas School referred to in agenda item 12 be noted;

2.      that the commencement of consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s co-ordinated admissions scheme as set out in the report be approved;

3.      that the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the academic year 2014/15 be approved; and

4.      that the commencement of the consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the academic year 2014/15 be approved.