Admission Forum Annual Report 2013 - 2014
Admission Authority: Vale of Glamorgan
Secretary to the Forum: Paula Jones Contact details: 01446 709725
Address: Provincial House, Kendrick Road, Barry CF62 8BF
Membership and attendance of the Forum
Name / Position / Time served asForum Member * / Membership by category (see table below)
Cllr C Elmore / Chair / 2 years / LA
Paula Ham / Vice Chair / 5 years (26/9/13) / LA
Lisa Lewis / Access & Policy Manager, Strategy, Community Learning & Resources / 2 years / LA
Jane Werrett / Complex needs assessment and school liaison officer / 5 years (26/9/13) / LA
Cllr Fred Johnson / Cabinet Member / 2 years / LA
Rev Edwin Counsell / Diocesan Director of Statutory Education / 4 years (26/9/14) / CIW
Anne Robertson / Roman Catholic Diocesan Director / 4 years (26/9/14) / RC
Derek Jones / Headteacher, Stanwell Foundation School / 4 years (26/9/14) / S/F
Vince Browne / Headteacher, Llantwit Major School / 5 years (26/9/13) / S/CV
Ceri Thomas / Headteacher, Wick and Marcross CIW Aided Primary School / 3 years / S/VA
Norman Craggs / VSGA governor representative (Primary) / 5 years (26/9/13) / L/COM
Claire Kynaston, / VSGA governor representative (Foundation) / 4 years (26/9/14) / PG
Sian Lewis / Headteacher, Fairfield Primary School / 6 months / S/CV
Rhian Andrew / Headteacher, Ysgol Sant Baruc / 6 months / S/CV
*If served more than 4 years also include date of re-election.
Acronyms for Core MembersMembers Nominated by / Core Membership / Acronym
LA - any member or officer of the authority / 1 to 5 / LA, LA/SEN, LA/LAC
Church in Wales Diocesan representatives / 1 to 3 / CIW
Roman Catholic Diocesan representatives / 1 to 3 / RC
Schools - community and voluntary controlled / 1 to 3 / S/CV
Schools - foundation / 1 to 3 / S/F
Schools - voluntary aided / 1 to 3 / S/VA
Parent governor representatives / 1 to 3 / PG
Representatives of the local community / Up to 3 / L/COM
Meeting dates and attendance
Date / Number of Forum Membersin attendance - by category
First meeting / 26th September 2013 / 7 (4 x LA, 1x L/COM, 1 x S/F, 1 x PG)
Second meeting / 6th February 2014 / 7 (3 x LA, 1 x S/F, 1 x CIW, 1x S/CV, 1xL/COM)
Third meeting / 4th July 2014 / 9 (3 x LA, 1 x RC, 1 x PG, 1 x L/COM, 3 x S/CV)
Please confirm whether admission authorities within the forum area have completed the consultation and determination of admission arrangements process within the timescales required by the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) (Wales) Regulations 2006 [including consultation on the arrangements by 1 March in the determination year and determination of the final arrangements by 15 April of that year].
The Vale of Glamorgan admission authority consulted and determined its admission arrangements within the required timescales. The Admission forum were consulted on the 26th September 2013 and approved in principle the changes proposed. The results of the consultation process, including changes to the proposed admission arrangements for 2015/16 were considered by the forum on 6th February 2014 and approved by cabinet on 24 March 2014.
The Welsh Government, through the Welsh Schools Admission Officers’ Group, have previously asked LA`s to monitor that their aided schools have admissions policies that are compliant with the School Admissions Code, that they consult on their admission policies within the timescale required by the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) (Wales) Regulations 2006. The forum continues to monitor adherence to this requirement and address the matter with individual Admission Authorities.
If any admission authority has not met the timescales please give details here.
The forum has concluded that the majority of denominational and Foundations schools required to consult on their own admission arrangements did so within the required timescales. The only exception to this was Pendoylan C/W Primary School who have been contacted on behalf of the forum to remind them of the need to comply with the Education (Determination of Admission Arrangements) (Wales) Regulations 2006. Feedback issued by Welsh Government to individual admission authorities relating to the content of their oversubscription criteria and information to parents has also been brought to the attention of the Forum and a representative of the forum has discussed this with the schools concerned. It has been agreed that additional support will be offered to Pendoylan C/W Primary School to ensure that they comply with the regulations for this forthcoming consultation period.
How many consultation documents have you seen from admission authorities (not including other local authorities)?
5 – Stanwell School, St Richard Gwyn, All Saints C/W Primary School, St Helen’s RC Junior School, St Josephs RC Primary School
What admission arrangements have been put in place to serve the interests of vulnerable children?
Admission arrangements now include alongside LAC, previously LAC pupils in the highest ranking priority as required by the Statutory Admissions Code 2013.
A managed move protocol has been adopted following consultation with the Admissions Forum and all schools which provides an opportunity for parents, pupils and LA officers to meet to identify issues in an open forum. This protocol was introduced during the academic year 2013/14 with all schools now engaging actively in the process.
The Forum acknowledged that the School Access team work closely with appropriate teams to ensure that the needs of those children are met and that they are admitted to schools as quickly as possible. Key officers and teams responsible for the needs of vulnerable groups, including LAC Education, Youth Offending Service, English as an Additional Language (EAL/Gypsy & Travellers), Behaviour Support Team and ALN co-ordinators are represented on the Admissions Forum.
Have they proved successful?
Yes. Although in the early stages, the changes to the oversubscription criteria with regard to previously LAC pupils has helped identify at an early stage several vulnerable pupils.
The success of the Managed Moves protocol can be evidenced by the fact that for the first time since the academic year 2008/09 no child has been permanently excluded during the academic year 2013/14. The officer responsible for coordinating this important initiative is an active member of the Forum and provides timely reports to the forum on progress.
What other arrangements have you identified to support these children?
The forum has also reviewed the role and terms of reference of the Difficult to Engage Panel in order to ensure admission arrangements within the authority are supportive of the important work undertaken by this Panel. This was found to be effective as evidenced by improved attendance and the low rate of exclusions. This Panel has been successful in managing our most challenging pupils by working creatively across service areas to consider all available options to engage. A mapping exercise undertaken via the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework has led to a targeted action plan being put into place which is aimed at reducing NEETs. Although in its early stages, this is already proving to be successful.
How well have the agreed in-year admission procedures worked?
The issue of in year admissions is discussed openly at the forum who has recorded their satisfaction with regard to the significant improvements in this area with regard to the timescale for finalizing all arrangements. In year admissions are managed effectively and completion timescales have improved. The Forum have determined that delays of ten days or more are due to factors such as delays with families moving home rather than factors within the control of the admission authority. Managed moves, although successfully managed also can take longer than ten days.
How many children have been admitted to each school under the procedures?
Please see table below
Have you identified an increase in numbers for in-year admissions, if so what action has been identified to address the issue?
There has only been a minor increase in applications overall. In year applications are a regular agenda item.
School no of applications no taking longer than ten days
Albert Primary School 22 ( 3)
Barry Comprehensive School 26 (10)
Barry Island Primary School 12 (0)
Bryn Hafren Comprehensive School 38 (15)
Cadoxton Primary School 27 (1)
Cogan Primary School 18 (2)
Colcot Primary School 28 (5)
Cowbridge Comprehensive School 37 (5)
Dinas Powys Infant School 4 (0)
Eagleswell Primary School 8 (0)
Evenlode Primary School 28 (2)
Fairfield Primary School 25 (8)
Gladstone Primary School (Barry) 42 (1)
Gwenfo C/W Primary School 5 (0)
High Street Primary School 15 (2)
Holton Primary School 30 (2)
Jenner Park Primary School 20 (3)
Llancarfan Primary School 10 (1)
Llandough Primary School 12 (0)
Llanfair Primary School 11 (0)
Llangan Primary School 15 (1)
Llanilltud Fawr Primary School 11 (5)
Llantwit Major High School 32 (5)
Murch Junior School 6 (2)
Oak Field Primary School 8 (1)
Palmerston Primary School 12 (3)
Peterston-Super-Ely C/W Primary School 8 (0)
Rhws Primary School 22 (0)
Romilly Primary 48 (6)
St Athan Primary School 38 (3)
St Cyres Comprehensive School 69 (22)
St Illtyd Primary School 20 (0)
St Nicholas C/W Primary School 8 (0)
Sully Primary School 16 (2)
Victoria Primary School = 31 2
Y Bont Faen Primary School = 11 1
Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg = 7 1
Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant = 2 0
Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant = 4 0
Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Talwg = 2 0
Ysgol Iolo Morganwg = 4 0
Ysgol Pen Y Garth = 9 1
Ysgol Sant Baruc = 6 1
Ysgol Sant Curig = 10 1
117
Number of applications received 1.4.13 to 31.3.14 = 797
Number processed in ten school days or less = 680 (85%)
Victoria Primary School 31 (2)
Y Bont Faen Primary School 11 (1)
Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg 7 (1)
Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant 2 (0)
Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant 4 (0)
Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Talwg 2 (0)
Ysgol Iolo Morganwg 4 (0)
Ysgol Pen Y Garth 9 (1)
Ysgol Sant Baruc 6 (1)
Ysgol Sant Curig 10 (1)
Number of applications received during 13/14 = 797
Number processed in ten school days or less = 680 (85%)
What key admission issues have been identified for the area?
Effectiveness of catchment areas, some areas of limited places and surplus places.
What are they and how has the forum addressed them?
The validity of the Admission Arrangements in place is subject to scrutiny by the forum. Examples of this relate to catchment areas in Barry which have been subject to review, leading to consultation, agreement and implementation of changes for the 2015/16 academic year. The Forum received a School Organisation Update regularly to ensure they are fully informed of the progress being made to address issues relating to admissions, school places and organisation.
What methods has the Forum used to promulgate any advice or decisions it has reached?
The minutes, decisions and advice of the Forum are made available via the council website. Copies are available for all admission authorities in the area. The decisions and advice of the forum is also reflected in the Parental Guide to School Admissions document.
Members of the forum are also active on other relevant groups and communicate the work of the Forum via these channels where appropriate.
Date Forum’s advice published on Admission Authorities Website:
Please also provide the relevant link:
Signature: (Secretary to the Forum)
Date:
Please return the completed report by 30 November 2014 to:
School Admissions and Appeals
Albert / 48 / 48 / 48 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 48
Barry Island / 30 / 29 / 29 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 29
Cadoxton / 60 / 64 / 60 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 64
Cogan / 30 / 34 / 30 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 34
Colcot / 58 / 42 / 42 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 42
Dinas Powys / 60 / 51 / 51 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 51
Eagleswell / 30 / 28 / 28 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 28
Evenlode / 60 / 65 / 60 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 65
Fairfield / 47 / 38 / 38 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 38
Gladstone / 60 / 58 / 58 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 58
Gwenfo / 25 / 28 / 25 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 26
High Street / 30 / 31 / 30 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 31
Holton / 75 / 50 / 50 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 50
Jenner Park / 39 / 48 / 41 / 2 / 2 / 0 / 48
Llancarfan / 18 / 17 / 17 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 17
Llandough / 27 / 28 / 28 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 28
Llanfair / 18 / 18 / 18 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 18
Llangan / 15 / 17 / 15 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 17
Llanilltud Fawr / 30 / 44 / 30 / 4 / 0 / 0 / 44
Oakfield / 30 / 22 / 22 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 22
Palmerston / 42 / 28 / 28 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 28
Peterston-Super-Ely / 27 / 20 / 20 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 20
Rhws / 53 / 63 / 60 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 63
Romilly / 90 / 88 / 88 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 88
St Athan / 37 / 31 / 31 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 31
St Illtyd / 54 / 52 / 52 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 52
St Nicholas / 18 / 19 / 18 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 18
Sully / 50 / 55 / 50 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 55
Victoria / 60*(90) / 90 / 90 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 90
Y Bont Faen / 30 / 29 / 29 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 29
Ysgol Dewi Sant / 30 / 19 / 19 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 19
Ysgol Gwaun Y Nant / 60 / 37 / 37 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 37
Ysgol Nant Talwg / 30 / 34 / 32 (2 following appeal) / 2 / 2 / 0 / 34
Ysgolo Iolo Morgannwg / 27 / 22 / 22 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 22
Ysgol Pen Y Garth / 60 / 50 / 50 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 50
Ysgol Sant Baruc / 30 / 27 / 27 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 27
Ysgol Sant Curig / 60 / 57 / 57 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 57
Barry Comp / 246 / 178 / 178 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 178
Bryn Hafren / 224 / 131 / 131 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 131
Cowbridge / 240 / 255 / 255 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 255
Llantwit Major / 210 / 125 / 125 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 125
St Cyres / 210 / 179 / 179 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 179
Ysgol Bro Morgannwg / 189 / 151 / 151 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 151
Total / 2849 / 2500 / 2449 / 22 / 4 / 0 / 2497
1