URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2032

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Children and Families which sought approval of the School Admission Arrangements for Cheshire West and Chester Council’s community and voluntary controlled schools (attached at appendix 1), to apply with effect from September 2027, subject to any review by the Department for Education.  In addition, the report sought approval of the Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme for 2027/28 (attached at appendix 2) and the publication of school term dates for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years (attached at appendix 3).   Members noted that there were no proposed alterations to the current admission arrangements, therefore no consultation had been required to be undertaken.  Members also noted that local authorities were responsible for setting term dates for community and voluntary controlled schools.   Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste), led the discussion on the item as proposer (in the absence of Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People) and the item was seconded by Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.   Members welcomed the report and all the proposals, noting that there were no changes proposed to the current arrangements.  They acknowledged that publishing term dates in advance allowed parents and carers to plan holidays and other childcare arrangements in advance.  It was also hoped that academies and neighbouring authorities would align their term dates to assist parents.   DECIDED:    That   1)            the proposed school admission arrangements and co-ordinated admissions scheme for 2027/28 as detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to the report be approved; and 2)            the proposed school term dates for academic year 2028/29, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report be approved.   Reason for Decision   Under the relevant legislation and the statutory code of practice (School Admissions Code), Cheshire West and Chester Council as an admission authority must ‘determine’ (i.e. formally agree) admission arrangements every year, even if they have not changed from previous years and a consultation has not been required. (see paragraph 4.2 of the report for more information).   Alternative Options   If the Council does not notify the Secretary of State that it has adopted a co-ordinated scheme by 28th February 2026, the Secretary of State may impose one. Therefore no other option to what is set out in the report is recommended.

Date of Decision: February 11, 2026