Fair Access Policy 2025 to 2026 (reviewed June 2025)
Stage 1 - Assessing Eligibility
It is the expectation that most children and young people who are eligible will come to the attention of the Admissions and Transfers team through 'in-year application for a school place or a change of school place' form.
In some instances, pupils may be referred by the Locality Team where a pupil who was electively home educated is no longer in receipt of suitable education. In these circumstances, parents are strongly encouraged to follow the In Year Transfer process.
These requests will be triaged by the admissions team at the point of contact to identify the following:
- any safeguarding or welfare concerns
- if the child has an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) (therefore placement would be made via the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) service)
- whether the child would meet the Fair Access Protocols should a place not be available through In Year Transfer process (not including on time out of education criteria)
The admissions team will contact the parent to explain both the Fair Access process and also the admissions appeal process to ensure the parent understands the process in both routes.
Once it is agreed that a pupil is eligible for admission through Fair Access, parents are informed in writing as to the reasons their child meets the criteria for Fair Access.
Where a pupil who was electively home educated, is no longer in receipt of suitable education and is deemed eligible for the protocol, the Locality Team will liaise with the parent.
