Agenda and minutes

To consider a proposed variation to  admission arrangements for 2010/2011 for 15 Primary schools to make provision for up to 500 additional children in reception classes arising from anticipated increased demand. 

Education Leeds is currently undertaking an urgent consultation exercise upon the proposals which ends on Friday 3rd July 2009 and shortly afterwards will be submitting their proposals and the results of the consultation to the Schools Adjudicator for approval.

A report entitled “Expanding Primary Place Provision” considered by the Executive Board on 17^th June 2009 is attached as background information

(Report attached)

The Secretary to the Forum advised Members that there was insufficient Members in attendance to constitute a quorum. If Members wished to proceed with the meeting any decisions would take the form of a Recommendation and be considered at the next meeting of the Forum.

It was the wish of those Members present that the meeting proceeds and that any Recommendations/ comments be made known to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator.

Members considered a report by the Chief Executive Education Leeds seeking to vary the admission arrangements for 2010/2011 for 14 Primary Schools to make provision for up to 500 additional children in reception classes arising from an anticipated increase in demand.

Addressing the report Mr George Turnbull reported that the birth rate in the city had been rising for some time and it had become clear that across the city significantly more children than expected had requested places for 2009 and this was projected to increase further for 2010. Mr Turnbull said that Education Leeds had carried out a consultation exercise in areas of the City where the demand was anticipated to increase.  Following the consultation Education Leeds had formulated the following increase in admission numbers:

Members were informed that the changes were part of a longer-term proposal for the area, and collective discussions over future arrangements would take place later in the year.

In passing comment Members expressed surprise that the consultation was held so late in the summer term if it was known that “the birth rate in city had been raising for some time”.  Furthermore Members were concerned at the short time available for analysis and more detailed debate.  It was Members opinion that the lack of time would not allow the Forum to adequately test whether or not the principle of fairness and even-handed approach had been fully applied by Education Leeds. 

The forum also expressed some concern about the proposed 3 forms of entry  and the effect this may have upon  satisfactory provision, however  Education Leeds Officers said that the evidence showed existing schools with 3 form entry were doing well.

Forum Members accepted that the proposals were made in good faith, but felt that the tight timescale had meant that there had not been as much time as they wished to test evidence and express more detailed views.

It was further noted that the Head Teachers of the Schools involved and remaining on the list had not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.