July 2020
Proposal for variation to the admissions arrangements for September 2021 due to COVID-19
As Chair of Trustees, I wrote to the Dept of Education to confirm that by Chair's Action, the Trustees of this school resolve to propose that a variation be made to the admissions arrangements for admission to Year R, in respect of the over-subscription criteria relating to church attendance.
The variation requested is that " In the event that during the period specified for attendance at worship the church has been closed for public worship and has not provided alternative premises for that worship, the requirements of these admissions arrangements in relation to attendance will only apply to the period when the church or alternative premises have been available for public worship".
This request is made in order that parents seeking admission to the school can readily determine what the admissions oversubscription criteria are and how they may be met, and thereby enable the school to deal lawfully, fairly and transparently with admissions matters in the exceptional circumstances of the COVID19 pandemic.
For convenience, given that we understand a large number of similar requests are being made, the Trustees consented to the Diocese submitting this request on our behalf, along with those of other schools making such requests for this variation.
This request is made in accordance with the DfE guidance on governing body business during the pandemic, as it is a matter of importance and is time limited, given the relevant admissions timescales.
Madeleine Spinks
Chair of Trustees/Governors
St Mary's Church of England Primary School
Dilwyn,
Herefordshire
HR4 8HR