Stephen Hammond MP
In response to a written question from Wimbledon Conservative MP Stephen Hammond, the Schools Minister Nick Gibb has confirmed that, “Work is now underway to assess what other changes it might be appropriate to make to the Admissions Code. We hope to have a draft Code ready for consultation in the New Year.”
Stephen Hammond MP had two questions answered by the Department for Education on October 29 2015; one regarding the government’s proposed timing of the Code consultation and the other regarding using a child’s due date for admissions purposes:
Question: “To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress her Department has made on preparing to amend the Admissions Code to give parents of summer-born children a right to defer their start to school; and when a consultation on those amendments will take place.”
Answer: “On 8 September, I announced the government’s intention to amend the School Admissions Code, subject to parliamentary approval, so that children born in summer can be admitted to the reception class at the age of five where this is the wish of their parents. This intention is set out in an open letter to parents, schools and local authorities which is available online at: http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summer-born-children-nick-gibbs-letter-about-school-admissions
Work is now underway to assess what other changes it might be appropriate to make to the Admissions Code. We hope to have a draft Code ready for consultation in the New Year.”
Question: “To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has assessed the implications of using a premature child’s due date, rather than his or her birth date, for the purpose of determining when that child should start school.”
Answer: “We have announced the intention to amend the School Admissions Code so that, subject to parliamentary approval, children born in summer can be admitted to the reception class at the age of five, where this is the wish of their parents. Work is currently underway to assess what other changes it might be appropriate to make to the Code. As part of this process, we will consider whether it would be appropriate to use a prematurely-born child’s expected birth date in the admissions process.”
(Source: Hansard)
The Summer Born Campaign‘s view on “the implications of using a premature child’s due date, rather than his or her birth date, for the purpose of determining when that child should start school” are outlined here:
Prematurity Is Not The (only) Point – Legislation Covers All Summer Born Children (August 17, 2015)
summerbornchildren 
Great news, I just hope they are no more delays for the sake of children who may be forced to miss a year before the changed are formalised.
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The revised code cant come soon enough. I hope it finally puts an end to the post
Code lottery & threatening of missed years of education and prefered schools & the manipulation of parents &children by some local authorities. There has never been any defensible reason to manipulate a parent into sending their child into a situation they know is unsuitable for them. There are many children who are on record as already being harmed by this & it’s time we protect all children from this inexcusable practice by those who have hidden behind process. It’s clear we need watertight laws & cannot rely on “what is right” being done by some authorities who’s decisions have continually & unquestioningly put beurocratic neatness & outdated conformist doctrine before the welfare of the individual children under their care.
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I really hope this happens on time. Lots of parents are desperately hoping for some clarity on this matter before the next round of admissions.
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Fingers crossed the Government sort this out as so many parents worried and so many children disadvantaged just because of when they are born. In the case of my twin Grandsons born 9 weeks early at the end of August both of these things would have made a huge difference to them
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“It is ready for the consultation in New Year”. I wonder how long it will take the Government to implement the changes. It is really crucial for parents and children effected to have this done as soon as possible. So many are disadvantaged and are missing Reception class because the Code is not supportive enough for parents and children at the moment.
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Its really important this all goes through asap to avoid any more children being forced to miss reception. Fingers crossed.
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I am pleased to read this and sincerely hope there isn’t a delay. My summer born son (27th Aug) was due mid September and I really want to have the option to be able to defer his reception place if needed. I have to apply for a reception place next year (Sep/Oct 2016). It seems crazy when my son has only recently turned two! I hope the ambiguity is sorted out for the next round of applications.
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I cant understand what these people do with their time everyday – my word his letter came out in September, and they are hoping for a consultation in January – honestly – why so long ?
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So, the minister stood up in early September to announce the intention to change the Code, yet the consolation will start 4 months later. And this is if I understood correctly “in the New Year”… what about if they plan to consult in the new year?
I think there should be a clear statement of a date, so that all of us who need to make decisions about our next steps are given the opportunity to do so.
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Still waiting ….
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Cant believe how long this takes, in the meantime, our children are suffering !
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