School admissions round for 2022/3 shared
At their meeting of 9th February 2022, sub-group members shared the latest information around the school admission rounds for both primary and secondary places. The number of applications for both were broadly in line with last year and, although there were no immediate causes for concern, numbers are falling sharply in neighbouring London boroughs and expected growth from the Thamesmead Housing Zone is not materialising imminently. The sub-group will be involved in creating a document for schools which will set out transparent Local Authority processes for reducing places, if necessary, in the medium term.
Members then learnt that, in line with national trends showing declining demand for mainstream places and increased demand for specialist places, Bexley is facing a challenge to meet specialist demand, particularly for SMLD places. It is in discussions around how to create additional places, but no formal decisions have yet been made and information would be released through the sub-group to ensure transparency.
Lastly, members discussed the successes of the Holiday Activity Programme and members learnt that this would be funded by the DfE for a further three years and would widen its remit to include looked after children, care leavers and those with no access to public funds.
