News

Fears that PVI settings could lose children under new Schools Admissions Code

Early years organisations have voiced concerns that the move to
allow schools to give priority places to disadvantaged children who
attend school nurseries will discriminate against parents who wish to
send their children to private, voluntary and independent settings.

They also fear that the move is another push towards a school-led early years system.

The revised School Admissions Code, which comes into force on 19 December, will give priority admission to children eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium, the Pupil Premium or Service Premium, who attend the nursery class or nursery run by the school.

It also includes clarifications about the rights of parents of summer born children to request that their child start Reception rather than Year 1, at age five.

Although there is no legal requirement for admissions authorities to include such priority in their admissions arrangements, they would have the freedom to do so if they wish.

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