Another appeals rant/query

[Grantaire]

We are in the middle of appealing against our DS not being admitted to our first choice of schools. It's an ICS appeal.

We were told that the appeal would likely be July 1st. We've found out today that they are doing it on July 20th because they can't get a panel together in time for the original date.

July 20th is the last day of term. Which means that regardless of outcome, DS will absolutely miss out on any chance for settling in days, meeting a teacher, visiting a school. I mean, what the heck happens if we fail (likely given the stats)? How do we sort out alternative arrangements when everything shuts down locally on the day of the appeal.

Also, the deadline for submitting notice of appeal was May 16th. I thought the appeals code necessitates that appeals be heard within 40 school days of this. I think, using rudimentary maths, they are not fulfilling this.

This is SO stressful. Another month and in the middle of all this is a 4 year old boy who I want to prepare for school. I have NO idea what's going to happen and won't have until after the end of this term.

And there's nothing I can do.

[Grantaire]

There are bigger things going on in the world right now of course.

I shouldn't complain really.

Has anybody started their own school? With a clown uniform maybe.

[merlottime]

Were you allocated a school? Presumably that is your Plan B, unless you plan to Home Ed until a place at your preferred school comes up. (I'm hoping that you didn't turn down the place, as the LA will then have fulfilled their obligation to find you one.)

Can you send your DS to the settling in activities at your allocated school, just in case that is where he ends up? It would be a shame to miss them then find he has to go there anyway.
Good luck with the appeal.

[Friolero]

I'm not an expert, so can't offer any advice on the 40 day deadline (other than to agree with you that they are just missing this).

In terms of what you should do, it's probably not what you want to hear, but I would go ahead with the settling in sessions for the school he's been allocated. I think very few ICS appeals are successful, unless they've made a mistake. What are you planning on doing of the appeal isn't successful? Where are you on waiting lists etc, or is private an option?

[Hassled]

I think you have to proceed on the basis that you will fail, and so attend the transition/settling in days for the allocated school. It'll be a bit confusing for your son if he then starts somewhere else in September but I'm sure he'll re-adapt.

[BrightandEarly]

Can't help on the appeal front, but there must be quite a few preparation activities you can do without knowing which school?

We don't know yet for DD, and have done lots of reading books about schools, talking about what she'll do at school, talk generically about school uniform etc. We have also been quite open (in a low key way) with her about that we don't know which school yet, but there are lots of really fun schools, and once we know we will go and buy the uniform and have a look at the school together etc.

She seems fine about it all and provided she has a few weeks to get her head around it I'm sure she'll be ok.

[Grantaire]

He can't go to the allocated school. It simply isn't an option.

If we fail, I'll have to give up work.

He's 2nd on the waiting list but there will be no movement.

Private is not an option.

It's utterly hopeless. Drawing it out like this is making it more awful though.

[Grantaire]

We're preparing generally but the reception teachers all go into the preschool in July and meet the children, try on uniforms, get to know the dc. They also visit at home and have picnics and games sessions. It's a good process and one which worked brilliantly with our eldest. DS will be on the sidelines during all this. Maybe going to school. Maybe not.

[titchy]

Why can't he go to the allocated school? Unless a mistake has been made you will not win an ICS appeal. You can keep him at nursery till he's 5 and hope a place comes up. Or rethink private - can't be much more expensive than what you'd lose giving up work?

[DetestableHerytike]

Agree to send to other settling in days.

Sounds like something unforeseen happened with the date change, maybe sickness?

What are your grounds for appeal?

[DetestableHerytike]

Is your eldest at the school you are truth to get into?

[DetestableHerytike]

Trying, not truth!

[DetestableHerytike]

Are you on waiting lists for other schools too? Are there any other schools with places you would consider?

[Grantaire]

Yes. Eldest is already at the school and has been for 5 years.

Date change is because they couldn't get a full panel together in time.

I can't afford private education.

[titchy]

But you can afford to give up work?

[Grantaire]

He has to go to this school. Or I have to either home school or withdraw dd and send them both elsewhere.

[DetestableHerytike]

Ok, so your youngest is a bit familiar with the school from drop offs etc?

Were you supposed to get sibling preference but a mistake was made?

[DetestableHerytike]

Is there a place in DD's year at the school allocated to DS? Is that a possibility?

[Grantaire]

I'd have no choice but to give up work. That fact doesn't make private education within reach.

[Grantaire]

DD and DS can't go to the allocated school.

We are appealing on the grounds their decision was unreasonable/perverse/illogical.

Even with sibling priority, DS didn't get in.

[DetestableHerytike]

Oh no! Was the school full with looked after children then siblings who live nearer?

[DetestableHerytike]

Unreasonable is a really high bar, like not sending kids in witness protection to the same school as kids of the criminal type level

[poocatcherchampion]

I think you need to start coming up with a plan that is likely to work.

Just saying he has to go to this school sounds a bit bonkers, as it will not be up to you to choose.

What are the grounds for the appeal?
What makes you say he won't get in on the waiting list?
When is he 5?

[Grantaire]

Sorry if I seem abrupt or stilted. I'm on my phone.

I really appreciate people responding and making suggestions. You're all v kind

I know it's pretty hopeless. I just needed to get it off my chest I think.

[Msqueen33]

What is the issue with the allocated school? It's obviously crazy that siblings can't be in the same school but I wonder why you've not been allocated a place on sibling rule? Is your dd in her last year? Is the allocated school dire?

[StarlightMcKenzee]

I'm sorry but you probably won't win an appeal on those grounds. Why does he HAVE to go to this school? Medical or social reasons that you can get professional evidence for?

Is your eldest in year 6 currently?