This is an interesting debate. Stripped right back I think most people would fundamentally agree that young siblings should be together at primary level. The rest is detail. Important detail, but detail nonetheless.
The siblings movement - which is based from Warwickshire - was precipitated by a sea change in admissions here over the last two years. With capacity in the system there were few casualties of the current admission policy. However, increased numbers of children starting school combined with particular schools becoming popular left a number of shocked families high and dry with siblings not accepted. In Warwickshire it hasn't been a case of 'cake and eat it' because this simply hasn't happened before so until now there's been no need to fight over crumbs; Schools actively encouraged all applications and their attendant funding - from out of catchment houses as well as in.
Even as recently as for 2012 intake, schools have been actively encouraging and welcoming applications from all families. Those very same schools this year have had a number of catchment children and siblings displaced. Neither school staff or parents have seen this coming. The goal posts have shifted.
New school starting families now know the scrap. Existing school families are largely ignorant and unprepared for the fallout. In this situation we felt compelled first of all to raise awareness - so that other families did not face the same shock and panic, and had time to make informed decisions. But we also feel compelled to appeal for a full and wide reaching public consultation by the authority, in response to the fact that the climate for school admissions is now very different in Warks to the way it looked more than 12 years ago when current criteria were decided.
So far this authority has resisted all appeals for legitimate public discussion and debate on the topic.
The game playing that happens in other authorities already happens in Warks. That kind of behaviour will never be limited by one rule or criteria over another. It needs to be tackled as its own issue, and authorities need to be given the power to be able to effectively deal with this fraud (for that is what it is) so that parents are not tempted to try it. A very good start would be to insist on proof of address at point of application as if you were applying for any other thing where proof of residence was paramount. And yet in so many areas - not least Warks - no proof of address is required! Fairness and trust in the integrity of the system must be there for people to buy into it wholeheartedly.
What happens when a catchment school is oversubscribed with catchment children? What happens when a school suddenly becomes the popular choice so that new families flock to move in area? What happens when housing estates are built, displacing otherwise in area families? The fact that predicting need for places and location of need is such an organic thing gives all the more weight to an argument that allows for fluctuation without leaving families at risk. Because if a first born cannot get a place at a 'catchment' school, they know that having settled into the community of another school that they are not a priority for [even the terminology is divisive!] - they do have an assurance that they won't be at risk with further siblings. Sensible checks, balances and limits will obviously need to be in play but in essence the most pressing needs of families and social cohesion are respected. That young children be together at the same school during these first few crucial years of their young lives is the most important factor. We believe this is the most 'right' way to address the issue.
The definition of local is different to our understanding of it a generation ago. People are generally more mobile and within urban areas there are statistically 11 schools that are considered local (according to this Government) which are available to most addresses.
A child is part of the community of a school he or she attends. As is his/ her family- siblings and parents. This is the community that we should be concerned to protect. Let?s not forget too that the children attending a school contribute to the success that attracts new applications.
It isn?t just one school affected within Warwickshire ? there are more and different schools affected each year across the county. The same pattern is repeated across the UK in other counties that don?t prioritise existing school families. A growing number of people are calling for change and proper public debate and that is what SiblingsattheSameSchool is driving towards. We also offer ?layperson? advice and support, and a voice to affected or potentially affected families, and have seen increasing numbers in need of this outlet when they experience the blank wall of the authority response to their situations. Please visit the page if you want to get in touch or find out what we are up to.