Secondary School Fair Access Protocol (FAP)

Section 1 - Why FAP is needed

Lancashire secondary schools already work well together and also with the Local Authority's Area Pupil Access Teams in order to manage in year admissions.  Fair Access Panels operate effectively on a district basis and the vast majority of schools have active representation.

For some vulnerable children there are however occasional refusals to admit or delays in offering places.  Fair Access seeks to ensure that the needs of the child and the school are considered in placing children who are included in the protocol.

FAP is needed therefore:-

• To fulfil the legal requirements of the School Standards and Framework Act and the School Admissions Code.
• To quickly place vulnerable children who are accepted within the FAP.
• To avoid refusals to admit which are unlawful and which create gaps in educational provision. Refusals to admit often raise tensions between the parties involved.