Admissions

Admissions Policy

1         Introduction

1.1      The governing body of Norbury School applies the regulations on admissions fairly and equally to all those who wish to attend this school. The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 introduced a new framework for school admissions as of January 2005. This policy conforms to the regulations that are set out in that Code and also further explained in the statutory School Admissions Code of Practice and the statutory Appeals Code of Practice.

2         Aims and objectives

2.1      We are an inclusive school that welcomes children from all backgrounds and abilities.

2.2      The only restriction we place on entry is that of number. If the number of children applying for entry exceeds the places available, we enforce the procedure set out below in order to determine whether a child is accepted or not. It is our wish to allow parents the right to have a place at the school of their choice. However, this is not always possible, due to the excess demand on the school places available. (See Annex A for further details)

2.3      The level of ability of a child or any special needs that s/he may have plays no part in the admissions policy of this school.

3.1      The LA publishes a composite admissions prospectus each year, which gives information about how parents can apply for a place in the school of their choice.  Parents have a right to express a preference for the school of their choice and they should do so on the application form.  Expressing a preference does not, in itself, guarantee a place at this school.  Application forms can be obtained from the Education Department of the LA and should be completed by the date stipulated on the forms.  The LA notifies parents about the school place as soon as all the applications have been considered.

3.2      Children enter our school in the academic year they become five. Therefore, parents who would like their child to be admitted to this school during the year their child is five should ensure that they complete the necessary application form by the date given by the LA.  This is usually in November of the year proceeding entry to school.

4         Admission appeals

• If a place in the reception class is refused by the LA, then parents may wish to appeal against this decision, they can do so by applying to the LA. An independent appeals panel then meets to consider all appeals by parents who have been refused a place at our school and who wish to appeal against this decision. An appeals panel’s decision is binding for all parties concerned. If the appeals panel decides that we should admit a child to our school, then we will accept this and continue to do all we can to provide the best education for all the children at our school. (Details of appeal arrangements are set out in the Code of Practice on School Admissions Appeals).

If a place is sought in a year group that is full, then the application will be refused by the Governing body of our school.  If parents wish to appeal against this decision to refuse entry then they can do so by following the guidelines in 4.1.  If we do not offer a child a place in our school, it is because to do so would prejudice the education and well being of the other children.  The excess of children would also raise health and safety issues.

5         The standard number (PAN – Published Admission Number)

5.1      The standard number is the number of children the school can accommodate per year group. This is currently set at 8 per year group. We keep this number under review and the school or governors will apply to change the number if circumstances allow.

6         Infant class size

6.1      We teach infant children (aged four to seven) in classes that should have a maximum number of 30 children.

7         Review

7.1      This policy will be reviewed with the Admissions Authority in the light of any changed circumstances in our school or the local area, at least every 7 years.

Reviewed 7.12.20