Fair Access

Every local authority must have a Fair Access Protocol, agreed with the majority of its schools, in which all schools (including academies) must participate.

All schools and academies must participate in the local authority’s Fair Access Protocol in order to ensure that unplaced young people, who live in the local authority, especially the most vulnerable, are offered a place within suitable provision as quickly as possible.

The needs of children and young people with an EHCP are not included in this protocol as their needs are considered separately by the local authority SEND Assessment and Review Team. The protocol will not apply to children who are looked after by the local authority (or who previously been looked after and are since adopted) or have a child arrangement order (formerly residence order) or a special guardianship order.

For those learner who have been unable to secure a school place, Fair Access Panel (FAP) will meet on a monthly basis and be chaired by a head teacher or the local authority commissioner.

Fair Access Panel (FAP)

The Fair Access Panel covers all children who may be deemed 'hard to place'. The panel meet on a regular basis to allocate schools for 'hard to place' children or ratify decision. They will allocate school placements for pupils who may be hard to place due to a history of challenging or disruptive behaviour, and for other vulnerable pupils who may be at risk of being out of school for long periods of time.

Fair Access Protocol for Primary Schools

Fair Access Protocol for Secondary Schools