Consultations in East Sussex

Schools, parents/carers and other interested parties to give their views on the proposed school holiday and term dates for 2020/2021.  Thank you to all those who responded.

During the consultation period 307 responses were received.  The feedback was generally positive.   

The Local Authority is currently responsible for setting school term and holiday dates for local authority maintained schools.  Foundation, trust and voluntary aided schools and academies are responsible for setting their own school term and holiday dates.  Following consultation the school holiday and term dates for 2021/2020 have been agreed and are available on the East Sussex County Council website at https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/educationandlearning/schools/termdates/

For views on the proposed admission arrangements to Community and Controlled Schools for the 2020/21 school year. The main change was to amend the the definition of 'previously looked after children' so that it may include children from outside of the UK.

Views were also sought the co-ordinated admission schemes and on the Proposed Admission Numbers at all schools but in particular to increases at Buxted CE Primary School, Danehill CE Primary and Willingdon Community School.

There were a total of 7 responses. Not all respondents answered every question.  

80% of respondents were in favour of amending the definition of previously looked after children. This was agreed by Lead Member.

A full breakdown of responses can be found in the Lead Member report

The Co-ordinated schemes were agreed and so were the changes to the admission numbers at Buxted and Danehill. At Willingdon Community School, the request to increase the PAN was deferred until 2021/22 as the number of children transferring to secondary school in Eastbourne in September 2020 is less than previously forecast.

The changes that were agreed will come into force for September 2020 onwards.

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.