Consultations in East Sussex

For views on the proposed reduction in the admission number from 20 to 15.

375 responses were received. 365 opposed the reduction in the published admissions number.

The Council listened carefully to concerns raised during the consultation period and has reconsidered the decision previously taken to stop the project to replace some of the classrooms.  The Council has concluded that as the project was originally agreed under an earlier capital programme that had wider ambitions and supported projects beyond the Council’s statutory duties, the project should be completed.

The Lead Member agreed that 20 should be the Published Admission Number for Ninfield CE Primary School.

For views on the proposed admission arrangements to Community and Controlled Schools for the 2019/20 school year. The main changes were

• To make a change to the community area for Hankham and Stone Cross primary schools so that the current discrete areas are merged to form one shared community area;
• To include the community area formerly served by Rodmell CE Primary School in the community area for Iford & Kingston CE Primary School following the agreed closure of Rodmell CE Primary School;
• To include the villages of Ditchling and Streat in Chailey Secondary School’s community area to create a shared area with Priory School.

Views were also sought the co-ordinated admission schemes and on the Proposed Admission Numbers at all schools but in particular to increases at Ditchling St Margaret’s CE Primary School, Polegate School and  Robertsbridge Community College and decreases at Forest Row CE Primary and Uplands Community College.

41 people completed the online survey. A further 30 responded to the issue of raising the admission number at Robertsbridge Community College which was an addendum to the original survey.

92.7% of respondents were in favour of the change to the Hankham and Stone Cross community areas (primary)

85.4% of respondents were in favour of the change to the Rodmell and Iford and Kingston Community areas (primary)

87.8% of respondents were in favour of the change to the Community area for Chailey School (secondary)

The changes to the admission numbers were agreed. A full breakdown of responses can be found in the Lead Member report. (item 37)

The changes that were agreed will come into force for September 2019 onwards.

For views on the proposed admission arrangements to Community and Controlled Schools for the 2018/19 school year. The main changes were

• To extend the definition of ‘looked after children’ in priority 1 of the admissions criteria;
• To change the Eastbourne primary community area due to the  of the home to school distance tie-break from shortest walking route to straight line;

Views were also soughton the Proposed AdmissionNumbers and co-ordinated admission schemes.

8 people completed the survey.

87.5% of respondents were in favour of the change to the definition of ‘looked after children’ in the admissions criteria.

75% of respondents were in favour of the change to the Eastbourne primary community area.

A full breakdown of responses can be found in the Lead Member report. (item 29 - appendix 6)

The changes were agreed and will come into force for September 2018 onwards.