Kent County Council could dismiss government plans to prioritise school places for children adopted from outside of England due to parents' fears it would lower their chance of getting a spot.

The local authority could abandon the government's recommendation to include these vulnerable children as more than 100 parents and headteachers shared their disapproval in a public consultation.

A survey on the proposed changes asked if children previously in care outside of England should rank second in a list of preferences for overcrowded schools as the current standards do not include these youngsters.

While some respondents said they are sympathetic about the needs of this vulnerable group, the vast majority said "the addition of a new criterion would reduce their chances of securing a place at a school of their preference further".

Former minister for school standards, Nick Gibb, wrote an open letter to admissions authorities in December 2017, requesting they include children adopted from outside of England.

However, many schools run by KCC and neighbouring local authorities have not included this criterion to their oversubscription arrangements.

In a council report due to be discussed next week, officers have recommended all schools should follow suit.

It reads:"As a large number of KCC schools and neighbouring LAs have decided not to include this criterion in their oversubscription criteria, this could potentially create an unbalanced admissions system across Kent.

"Officers anticipate parents will want and expect a consistent approach to decision making in this area and an uneven distribution of priority could lead to a more confusing and less fair admissions process overall.

"Officers therefore recommend that the new oversubscription criterion is not included in the determined admission arrangements for Primary Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for 2020/21 intake year.

"Officers will continue to monitor this area until changes in guidance or legislation drive a wider uptake in schools in and around Kent."

Councillors on the children's, young people and education cabinet committee will discuss the consultation results next Friday.