CONTROVERSIAL plans to change a council’s sibling policy for school entrance are set to be scrapped.

The proposal to take away priority status from children with brothers or sisters already at the same school caused consternation when it was announced.

Now Leeds City Council has taken the unusual step of stressing that it is unlikely to proceed with the change, which is currently out for consultation. In a letter to Adel and Wharfedale councillor Barry Anderson last week the local authority said: “The consultation refers to admissions to primary and secondary schools in September 2016, e.g. those in year 5 now.”

It adds: “We have been listening to the views already expressed during the consultation, which is due to end tomorrow, and are unlikely to recommend any changes to the current sibling priority. We would not generally comment on a consultation at this point, but as we are aware that some parents are becoming increasingly concerned, we are making it clear at this point that we are unlikely to proceed with the change.”

Opponents had warned the proposed new rule on school admissions could split up siblings.

Children with an elder sibling at a school have a priority case for admission. Leeds City Council was proposing to change that so priority is given to children with older siblings and for whom it is their nearer school.

The extra condition was designed to address a concern that the existing policy is, in some cases, allowing children who live further away to get into schools ahead of locals because of the family connection. Local councillors warned it would create practical and emotional problems for families.

Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough MP Stuart Andrew said: “I am pleased that Leeds City Council appear to have listened to the concerns of so many hardworking parents.”

When the proposal was originally announced, he offered his support to parents opposing it, stressing: “I join my constituents, many of whom are hardworking parents, in opposing the plans to change the rule on sibling priority. It could result in massive inconvenience for many parents who are already hard-pressed in the mornings, and further contribute to congestion and parking issues around school times. The council, who proposed these plans, have not thought of the effect that any changes to the rule would have on parents.”

Jamie Hanley, Labour’s prospective candidate for Pudsey, said: “I am pleased that this ridiculous proposal looks likely not go ahead and that local parents, including myself, have been finally listened to.”