In-House: Understanding School Admissions and Appeals

Overview

In the context of rising pupil populations, dealing with school admissions and appeals has become increasingly demanding. It is essential that all schools and local authorities are aware of their responsibilities and that their admissions and appeals procedures are compliant.

This Understanding School Admissions and Appeals course prepares you and your organisation to ensure compliance with the ‘School Admissions and Appeal Code’ through a range of sessions providing up to date guidance on admissions and appeals processes, legal requirements and how to manage appeals and complaints.

Through interactive sessions and practical workshops, work towards developing strategies for admissions and effectively handling appeals and complaints.

Run this Course In-House

Learning Outcomes

Understand the current landscape of school admissions and consider the findings of the Office of the Schools Adjudicator (OSA) Annual Report
Develop admissions procedures that are clear and fair
Establish legal requirements and responsibilities and ensure that admissions and appeals processes being used are compliant
Learn how to effectively and independently manage appeals and complaints
Determine how to prepare for admissions and appeals from a local authority perspective

All the Understanding ModernGov courses are Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified, with signed certificates available upon request for event.

Enquire About In-House Training

To speak to someone about a bespoke training programme, please contact us:

0800 542 9414
[email protected]

Agenda

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09:15 - 09:45

Registration

09:45 - 10:00

Chair’s Welcome and Clarification of Learning Objectives

10:00 - 10:30

Understanding the Current Landscape of School Admissions

Gain a thorough understanding of any key policy developments for 2018 and how to implement them
Consider the findings from the OSA Annual Report
Learn how to achieve clear and fair procedures, practices and criteria

10:30 - 11:30

Developing Admissions Procedures

Learn how to develop straightforward, effective and transparent admissions procedures
Know when to consult and who to consult with when determining admissions arrangements
Consider protocols for potentially vulnerable children, including those previously excluded from school or those who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND)
Determine how to prepare for oversubscription, in year admissions and withdrawal of places
Evaluate feedback and publish data in order to improve efficiency and enhance accessibility to parents

11:30 - 11:45

Morning Break

11:45 - 13:00

Successfully Navigating Legal Requirements

Establish the legal responsibilities and requirements of local authorities, own admissions authorities and governing bodies
Learn how to ensure compliance with both the Admissions and Appeals Codes
Explore practices and policies that may undermine fair admission processes
Examine SEND Code of Practice
Understand fair access protocol and how to avoid common pitfalls
Analyse legislation relevant to admissions decisions
Study the different stages of the appeals process for both primary and secondary schools
Understand what happens after the appeal is over

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 15:00

Case Study: How to Prepare for Admissions and Appeals

Ensuring consistency in admissions and appeals procedures
How schools and local authorities can work in partnership and improve coordination
Understand the importance of adapting admissions procedures to serve the interests of those living within the area

15:00 - 16:00

Workshop: Develop an Admissions and Appeals Strategy with Chair and Peers

Working with the Chair, delegates will develop an admissions action plan for their organisation and devise a strategy for effectively handling appeals and complaints.