Contact: Martin Goff, 01962 846185, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) approve the proposed model for Hampshire's Choice Advice service

1.2 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priority:

"Maximising well-being" - by promoting parents opportunity to express a preference for a school place and enabling children to attend a preferred school and so have a sound start to their schooling.

1.3 Outcomes specified in the Children Act are set out below, with a summary of how the proposals in the corresponding report contribute to their achievement:

· enjoying and achieving: (getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood) - by encouraging an appropriate educational placement for children wherever possible;

· making a positive contribution: (being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour) - more informed decisions at the time of secondary transfer can lead to a more appropriate school place and so make it more likely that a pupil will achieve all that they can both at school and beyond that in adulthood.

· economic well-being: (not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life) - more informed decisions at the time of secondary transfer may give pupils a more sound start to their secondary schooling and future ability to provide both for themselves and their families.

2 Other Options considered and rejected:

2.1 The DfES have recommended a model of service based around appointed Choice Advisors. This model is rejected as unworkable across Hampshire's large geographical area.

2.2 The option of having no Choice Advice Service was considered but in view of the funding available from the DfES, it was considered appropriate to utilise this to develop a model of delivery and devise the resource for such a service.

3 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

3.1 None.

4 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

4.1 None.

5 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

5.1 N/A

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)