Local councils must follow the schools admissions code (GOV.UK) when carrying out duties relating to school admissions.
The fair access protocol may be used when a parent has not secured a school place through the usual in-year admissions process. It helps children who do not have a school place get into school as quickly as possible.
The protocol only applies to in-year admissions and is not used for the normal admissions round for Reception or Year 7 places. A protocol is a set of rules or procedures that govern how something is done.
If a school does not want to admit a child due to behaviour issues, they must refer the case to the local council.
Using the fair access protocol does not take away a parent's right to apply for a school place through regular admissions or to appeal if their application has been refused.