§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to ensure all state-funded schools give priority to looked after children from care homes in their admissions policies; what the procedures are for 781W monitoring that this happens; and what penalties he has at his discretion to ensure compliance with the guidance. [117111]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggThe School Admissions Code of Practice recommends that admission authorities give looked after children top priority in their oversubscription criteria; and they must have regard to the Code's guidance. The Secretary of State may direct admission authorities to comply with the Code.
Admission authorities must consult on their proposed admission arrangements. Local schools and other admission authorities may object to the Schools Adjudicator on any aspect of those arrangements, including failure to give top priority to looked after children. If the Adjudicator decides that proposed admission arrangements should be changed, that decision is binding.
Admission Forums have been set up to consider existing and proposed admission arrangements for schools in their area. They are also responsible for seeking to ensure that looked after children are effectively provided for. Admission authorities must also have regard to any advice given by their local Forum.