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* * * News for 17th April 2002 (Updated on 16th May 2002) * * *


School School Placement Scheme to be Investigated

Although there have been difficulties in placing secondary-level school children conveniently for many years, this year has generated particularly severe problems in the Horsted, Lordswood, North Dane, Walderslade and Wayfield wards.

Because of this the matter of how these placements are made—and the criteria applied when making placement decisions specifically at Greenacre School and Walderslade Girls' School—is now being investigated by the Youth and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The matter was referred first to the Cabinet, thence to the Full Council for decision at a special meeting held on Monday 13th May 2002.

The decision was narrowly in favour of adding one extra form of entry at each of the two Walderslade schools for this September only, which was unexpectedly upheld by the Schools Adjudicator. This means that some of the children who were not offered a place at one or other of the schools will now be able to go. The Council has unanimously agreed that we must ensure that a better way is put in place for future years' placements to be made. In the meantime, this year's appeals process is already well under way, and the individual appeals will be heard towards the end of this month.