intexasatthe moment

This is an extract from LondonMix's link to The Sutton Trust research . It's a quote from people interviewed during the course of the research but clearly the view that having to sit a seperate secondary school based test might disadvantage some is a view held by those who work in education . "The use of multiple banding tests within the same area was criticised by some interviewees for several reasons. First, it was suggested that separate banding tests could limit access to schools for some pupils. Thus, a headteacher of an oversubscribed school explained that the school would ?definitely not? use its own banding test: By using a common test across all of the primary schools it means that we have the fairest way possible to ensure that every child has the opportunity to access schools of their choice? and by having a standard admission procedure across all schools it means that actually I?m doing my part to ensure that that?s the case. [Headteacher, oversubscribed school] This headteacher believed that a separate banding test could present an obstacle for some potential applicants. This view was also taken by the Admission Forum in Area A which had then worked hard to ensure a single banding test could be used by all schools and subsequently that all pupils should take that test within primary schools. So, some respondents took the view that separate banding tests could discourage some potential applicants from applying to a school and that it could be the most disadvantaged pupils who would be the least likely to take multiple tests. " The report does conclude that there is " a very strong case for " pupils to be only required to sit one banding test and for that to be valid for any school using banding to which they apply " It also concludes "Our findings suggest that, in striving to achieve balanced intakes, banding for the purposes of admission is not a panacea. It can however contribute to creating more balanced intakes than would otherwise be the case. " It gives explanations of local ( as per Lewisham ) and proportionate ( as per Harris ) banding methods and their effects so is worth a read if you're into that stuff .

LondonMix ,Lewisham secondary schools ( all except Habs ) use the data from primary schools but I don't know of any secondary schools in Southwark that do . Harris and Kingsdale applicants have to sit another test ( NVR which as you've previously pointed out is felt to offer more " stable " results than the primary school ones ) to determine banding . I can see that having to sit a seperate test may disadvantage some sections of the community ,but like you I'd be interested to learn more detail . Though possibly a discussion here isn't terribly relevant to the thread .

Southwark could make a recommendation for building on MOL but the Mayor and the relevant sec of state decide . The last time S'wark made a recommendation to approve building on this site it was rejected and they had to send in more arguments etc before it was accepted . So it's not as simple as saying S'wark should grant planning permission .

I guess you've looked at these 5.6 Extensions 5.6.1 The residential design standards SPD (2011) sets out the standards that should be required when considering proposals for extensions that require planning permission. 5.6.2 Where extensions are proposed, they should be in keeping with the character of the area and for the most part follow the guidance set out in the residential design standards SPD. In some cases, however, larger development that exceeds the 3 metres by 3 metre threshold set out in the SPD could be considered. In particular detached and semi-detached properties with substantial gardens may accommodate a larger extension providing the openness of an area is not compromised, the design is clearly subservient to the main part of a building and it would not add appreciably to the building?s bulk. 5.6.3 Roof extensions and changes to the basic roof form within the conservation areas are generally likely to be intrusive and unacceptable. In those few cases where the roof is already altered or hidden from view, some alterations may be possible. In such cases, we will normally seek low-key solutions minimising any adverse visual impact through the use of sympathetic designs and appropriate materials. Further information is contained within the relevant conservation area appraisals. 5.6.4 The principle of roof extensions outside of conservation areas is generally acceptable provided that the scale and design of the extension follows the guidance contained within the residential design standards SPD. A roof extension, therefore, should normally be confined to the rear elevation of dwellings. It should be a subsidiary element to the building and thus set down from the ridge of the main house, in from either side of the roof slope and up from the eaves. 5.6.5 A roof extension will not be permitted if it would unbalance the proportions of a building or harm the architectural integrity of a group, including an unbroken run of butterfly roofs. Also, a roof extension will not be acceptable if it extends over the full length of the outrigger as this would not be considered a subsidiary or subservient element. Further information is contained within the residential design standards SPD 5.6.6 Roof extensions and extensions to the rear of a property can also have an impact on bat activity. All British bat species are afforded protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. As Dulwich is a known area for bat activity we may require extra information to be submitted with an application. Further information is set out in section 6.5 of this SPD and our Sustainable Design and Construction SPD. from the Dulwich SPD ?http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200151/supplementary_planning_documents_and_guidance/1247/dulwich_spd/1 and this Side extensions Side extensions should ? Be subsidiary to the main building ? If the side extension is proposed to be more than single storey, the upper floor should be set back from the side building line ? Have roofs that match those of existing buildings in terms of roof shapes and pitches ? Avoid the infilling of gaps between properties, where this is an important townscape feature. from http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200151/supplementary_planning_documents_and_guidance/1253/residential_design_standards_spd

My understanding is that Harris reference their bands to national ability ,so that a certain score on the NVF test they use would equate to a particular band . My understanding of Habs is that they rank each years cohort that have applied for the school in question . Kingsdale's system I find hard to understand but has scholarships thrown into the mix of banding and lottery . Do they allocate by distance as well ? Habs didn't co ordinate it's banding system with that used throughout Lewisham so they may be attached to their own system and won't necessarily align themselves with Harris . Though it's all a little theoretical at present . I must say I was very drawn to the nodal point method mentioned by Kristymac1's on the Charter School thread - "No-one yet has mentioned the possibility of measuring distance/banding from a specific nodal point - the nodal point being measured from the point by where there is greatest need/black hole."

But only if they all use the same type of banding .As far as I know the admissions policies for Habs ,Kingsdale and Harris are all different .

Thanks Penguin ,that all makes sense . It must be a myth about granting planning permission in this way . My memory is that it was a couple of years ago ,but I must be wrong . Not quite following your post Strafer - which may be my failure ,not yours ! I understand about needing less cars and definitely needing affordable housing . My point was - planning permission shouldn't be granted if it's dependent on a condition that can't be enforced .

We need more clues ! What does he do as a job ? Leisure ? I know it's a cliche but luxury socks ? Cashmere ?

Strafer - I think it would be a problem if Southwark granted permission on a condition that wasn't enforceable .

Yes that's my thinking . But I've got it in my head that permission was given on this basis somewhere . I've searched Southwark Planning for the Co op site because I think it related to that property ( when it was Somerfield ) but can't find anything .

I have heard that in the past planning permission was granted for a development on Lordship Lane - flats above a shop ,possibly what is now the Co Op - on condition that residents didn't own cars . Does anyone know if this is true ?

so sorry that you're still without help . Clockmakers museum????? http://www.clockmakers.org/museum-and-library/museum/

Nodal point - sounds like an excellent solution !

Thank you James . Can't do the photo thingy but will report . The 3 bins directly behind the northbound Goodrich Rd bustop on Barry Rd are disgusting .

James - I've copied this from my post on a thread about revolting bins and wondered what your thoughts might be . James ,anyone else ,another common scenario is when builders doing up a property or some other third party ( I don't want to malign the builders the majority of whom are professional ) such as clearance of a flat between lettings ,dumps loads of inappropriate rubbish in a bin .They move on and new people move into property with overflowing and unemptied bins . There have been/still are 3 bins by one of the bus stops in Barry Rd - flies buzzing ,stuff on the ground . If I moved in to such a situation I honestly wouldn't know/have the stomach or strength to set about sorting the bins out . What's the best course of action - do Southwark have a phone nos to report such misuse while it's happening and somehow ( don't know how ) take the culprits to task ? Or a service which the new tenants can call on for help ?

I think chupa has a point "What Southwark needs to do is make all schools accessible regardless of distance etc,(just as Kingsdale manages to do!) so that people can't create these social divides and in so doing mix the schools up class, colour etc. etc and see which education org wins and produces the best education for all kids." I know that Southwark now lacks the ability to influence admissions policies - not even sure that it still operates an Admissions Forum ,though even when it did it took no action to correct the Charter's misapplication of it's close walking distance policy . Bring back the ILEA or a new pan London wide admissions policy so that all schools could operate banding to achieve a truly comprehensive intake . Unless all schools operate banding and particularly where banding is operated only in the context of the group of applicants who have applied for a school we aren't going to have comprehensive intakes . "I suggest you look at class and race in schools in Peckham se15, that can easily service the middle classes but who shy away from them on the basis that they have a predominantly different ethnic mix and class make up to their own, lets not pretend!" I think it's true that The Academy @Peckham has a different social and minority intake to The Charter despite it being easily accessible from East Dulwich ,being undersubscribed and residents of East Dulwich anxious to find secondary school places .

James ,anyone else ,another common scenario is when builders doing up a property or some other third party ( I don't want to malign the builders the majority of whom are professional ) such as clearance of a flat between lettings ,dumps loads of inappropriate rubbish in a bin .They move on and new people move into property with overflowing and unemptied bins . There have been/still are 3 bins by one of the bus stops in Barry Rd - flies buzzing ,stuff on the ground . If I moved in to such a situation I honestly wouldn't know/have the stomach or strength to set about sorting the bins out . What's the best course of action - do Southwark have a phone nos to report such misuse while it's happening and somehow ( don't know how ) take the culprits to task ? Or a service which the new tenants can call on for help ?

Have Charter specified which admissions criteria they plan to use if their bid is succesful ?Same as existing school ? Shortest safe walking distance ?

Bit of info and Grainger website here http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=SOU031

Perhaps Southwark could produce stickers to go on bins with ticked and crossed pics . Like the leaflets but stick on the bin itself .

I'd like to do a system restore but it says it may effect my Word programme . Any advice ? Trying to system restore because the Malware Bytes anti malware I installed to get rid of a bug keeps crashing . Grateful for any help ,particularly if aimed at not very skilled user who feels scared of smart phones .

Does anyone know if the burst water main has been repaired and whether the exceptional traffic problems at Camberwell Green are now cleared / Not mentioned on BBC traffic news so I'm guessing they are but wanted to check .

So trouble will persist tomorrow ?

I take it this was mega bad this morning ( weds ) because of an accident/s ? Are there roadworks there as well ,is it likely to be bad for someone travelling to Victoria on 185 ? Well worse than usual . Have cash strapped student working in Victoria who is keen to minimise costs by using bus as opposed to train .

Did Steve have any ideas when he came ?