What to expect? School admission appeal looming.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Hi

My DD (12) was turned down for an in-year transfer to another school.

The appeal is in 2 weeks. I have my appeal written, evidence gathered.

I have no idea what to expect though.

Is it like an interview, me sat on a chair in front of a long table of "people"?

I've not submitted the appeal, I want to take it with me and discuss on the day (rather than them receiving beforehand and tearing to shreds, putting me on the back foot on the day)

I suffer with quite severe anxiety and since I fouout the date, an hour ago, I'm stressed/panicking and on the verge of tears!

I'm hoping my fears/anxieties can be quelled by finding out what to expect on the day.

Thanks in advance.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Oh ok. I hadn't thought of it like that. I've read the info sent to me when she was turned down and it didn't state anywherethat you had to submit it prior to attending, so I assumed I just turned up on the day.

I will give them a call tomorrow. Probably best I hand it in in person rather than rely on mail.

[PatriciaHolm]

You need to submit it. Panel will be much happier if they have had a chance to read and digest it rather than being presented on the day (plus technically they don't have to accept any evidence submitted on the day).

Panel are independent so won't be interested in ripping the case apart; they want to hear your points. The appeal will be you, the panel of 3, a clerk, and a representative of the admissions authority who will make their case not to admit. The panel will then ask questions of them; then you can ask questions. Then you state your case followed by questions. It shouldn't feel confrontational; the panel chair should ensure that.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Oh crikey, thank god I posted here. Thank you both.

I feel so stupid.

Will get it submitted tomorrow.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Do they need originals or are copies ok? For example, DD's CAMHS report.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

I was going to say do submit but others need me to it. I seem to remember you weren't allowed to submit 'evidence' on the day.
It was adversarial as I recall. You need to be able to talk through your points and elaborate. I did get a chance to 'question' the rep from the L.A. but I didn't feel that beating them into submission with my facts and figures would do me any favours.
I concentrated on being polite and firm.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Thank you. It's good to know I'm not going to be interrogated.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Do you get their decision on the day?

[PatriciaHolm]

Copies are fine.

In my LEA, you get a letter sent out immediately with the decision, that day or the day after, then a follow up letter explaining why the panel made that decisions shortly afterwards.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

We were able to call the next day for the result. And then got a proper written judgement a few days later.

[GiddyOnZackHunt]

Just seen my mistakes in first post. For clarity:
It wasn't adversarial.

[BrianCoxReborn]

Thank you . That's good to know.

It's just before my birthday and I was thinking it would be ruined if ive got a week or two to wait for the decision.

God I feel sick.