Have your say on Hertfordshire schools admissions plans

PARENTS, carers and schools are being asked for their thoughts on plans to change the county’s school admissions policy from next year.

A consultation on Hertfordshire County Council’s draft School Admissions Code for 2013/14 opened yesterday (Tuesday), and includes a proposal to increase the permitted number of school preferences from three to four.

The council believes the move would give parents an extra preference as a “safety net”, and bring Hertfordshire more in line with neighbouring counties, most of which allow parents more than three preferences.

Views are also being sought on a number of other proposals, including a rule to prioritise children of school staff, the treatment of twins or multiple birth children and in-year admissions.

Plans to amend priority area rules and definitions of “nearest schools” are also open to discussion.

County councillor Frances Button, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “I hope as many people as possible will respond to this consultation as we really want hear what they think.

“Admission arrangements impact upon all children and it is very important that the views of all communities are taken into account.

“Some community groups, schools and parents may not agree with some of the areas being consulted upon for 2013 and I would invite all to respond to the consultation.”

The consultation, which runs until February 29, can be viewed online at the council’s website.