Fair access protocol - guide for parents
What is the protocol?
The fair access protocol is triggered when an eligible child has not secured a place under the normal in year admissions procedure.
Can I request for my child to be considered under the Fair Access Protocol?
The protocol cannot be used by parents or professionals to request that a child be allocated a place at their preferred school(s) following an unsuccessful application and/or appeal.
If your child does not have a school place allocated to them, and you can demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to gain admission to mainstream school(s) within the area through the in-year admission process then your child may be eligible for consideration under the Fair Access Protocol.
What is the point of the protocol?
It is to help Staffordshire to work with its schools so that places are found for children who do not have a school place, whilst ensuring that no school, including those with available places, is asked to take a disproportionate number of children who have been excluded from other schools, or who have challenging behaviour.
What is a 'hard to place' child?
The protocol sets out a list of features that would make a child hard to place.
The protocol does not apply to a looked after child or a child with an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
Does the protocol apply to all schools?
Yes it applies to all schools whether they are community, voluntary aided or academies.
What happens if a school is full?
An admission under the protocol is not like a normal admission. A school that is full can be asked to admit a child under the protocol. This even overrides the maximum size for infant classes, regardless of whether there is a waiting list in operation and whether appeals have already been heard for the school and year group concerned.
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