Issue - meetings

Matt Biggs, Head of Access to Education introduced the report which focuses significant improvement work which was undertaken following a robust review.  The focus was on stabilising the service following the well documented issues of the last 12 months. 

Louise Church Delivery Lead - Admissions highlighted the fundamental and statutory requirements to the Committee.  Confirmation was given in relation to “in year” admissions which relates to children moving into or around Warwickshire during the school year.

The Committee notes that the report includes a lot of information about the role of the school admissions team including helping families applying for free school meals and school transport. 

In relation to the overall improvement plan and the themes identified in order to improve the service, it was noted that this will be an ongoing project until March 2024.  The Committee noted that 77% of actions have been completed. 

Louise Church confirmed that ‘in-year’ allocations is now within target and that there has been a big reduction in waiting times for families.  The statutory requirement is 15 working days.  There will always be a small number that don’t meet the target – and this can include children who have been previously excluded.

The Offer days, which were held in March and April 2023 were very successful.  All information was sent out in a timely fashion and in two ways to ensure that no one was missed out.  Confirmation was given that officer felt the needs and expectations of Warwickshire families were met. 

The Committee was pleased to learn that there has been a 72% reduction in complaints.  Officers will continue to work so that there is a further reduction in complaints. 

The Committee learnt that the service has received approximately 40,000. emails since January 2023.  Officers are focused on maintaining a service that can offer the best to the families.

The discussion moved to the current concerns which include the significant rise in families moving to the area including Ukrainian families.  Council officers are working with internal and external teams to support these families.  This has led to an increase in school appeals but with an increase in staff these are being worked through.  The Committee was invited to go and meet the team and see the work that they are doing.

Councillor Bill Gifford congratulated the team on the reduction in complaints stating that it shows that there has been a real change for the better. 

Councillor Tim Sinclair agreed that there has been a significant improvement in performance in a short space of time and that officers aren’t reasting on their laurels – well done! 

Councillor Sinclair continued and asked where improvements could be made in the number of appeals in view of the fact that the number of successful appeals is rising.  Louise Church confirmed that there is a lot of work underway with the schools on the best way to avoid appeals as they shouldn’t be happening, officers should be getting admissions right the first time.  Louise Church added  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7