in-year secondary school appeal for ASD DD (year 9)

[anothermadamebutterfly]

Does anybody have any tips on in-year admission secondary school appeals? We are trying to move our DD (year 9) to a school that has a specialisation in asd (they have a special unit which she would not be eligible for, but the expertise spills over into the rest of school if that makes sense). The school are full and have no place for her at present, but they advised us to appeal (which I hope means that maybe they are not completely against the idea of having her?). The timeframe is very tight - we enquired last week about places and have been given a panel date for next week, so not much time to prepare.

DD has ASD and ADHD (no EHCP), and has been very unhappy at her current school over the past year for a whole range of reasons (it is a good school in principle, but is pretty much in the dark ages when it comes to ASD, particularly with girls).

I would be grateful for any tips. We are getting a letter of support from her paediatrician, and have several reasons why we want that school (they have a great support programme in place for the non-statemented SEN kids, which attracts us, and of course the expertise in ASD, but also certain aspects of the curriculum there could suit her better - they offer BTECs in two of her current favourite subjects (the only school close to us that does), which I think would suit her a lot as she is very practical and hands-on in her learning). Is there anything else we should think of preparing for the panel?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[admission]

I think you have covered the more obvious reasons why you want to get a place at the school but anything else that makes this school stand out as being the place for your daughter should be included.
The letter from the paediatrician is useful if it says " X is a patient of mine and from my examination of her she clearly has AS and ADHD. The school has a known expertise for teaching in this area and it would be of significant medical and social benefit for X to go to this school." What it should not say is " Mrs X says that daughter Y would benefit from going to this school." as this will have little weight with the panel.

[anothermadamebutterfly]

Hi admission, thanks for your advice, just to let you know that we found out today that the appeal panel decided in our favour and we have been offered a place for our daughter. We are all delighted!!!!