Primary School allocation

[mummyeme]

Now I'm really cross, not only did dd not get the school I wanted for her and get given the school which I least would have wanted for her to go too, but now I find it's also got spare places still availible. Anyone in the same boat/ what are my chances at appeal, continuing interest. Anyone with experience please/please help.

[LadyMuck]

Do you mean that the school that you did want has spaces? If so appeal for that school as clearly LEA has cocked up their admission process (you should get you first choice unelss oversubscribed). In any event I would ask to go on the waiting list as lots change between now and September.

[mummyeme]

Hi,
No sorry the school I did want has no places. The school I didn't want still has places availible. Sorry for any confusion, and thanks for replying

[LadyMuck]

Well the only real relevance of the free spaces then is that if your dd goes there she will probably have a better pupil: teacher ratio than at other schools...

[mummyeme]

Thanks but I'm really not keen on the school she's been given, pupil teacher ratio could be 1 and she still wouldn't be going there. This is 1 of the 2 schools where intake has been doubled this year and both schools still have vacancies. Why can't they double intake at schools people want their children to go to? Wondering if anyones had experience of the appeal process/ continuing interest

[HonoriaGlossop]

agree with cat, it does depend on whether you feel there has been a mistake made or whether she was just too far down the list. Are you in the catchment area?

What don't you like about the school she has been given a place at?

[mummyeme]

Hi,
Sorry for lack of info.
The school I want is popular and a very good school. However 2 girls on my street both got places at this school last year.
The school shes been given is 0.1 miles from home and the one I want is 0.2 miles from home so not much in it really (second closest).
I've heard that the school I want has a really high sibling intake, so much so there were plans to abandon the sibling rule (according to a teacher there).
I don't want the school shes been allocated for a few reasons: it's not a great school and the children leaving the gates (as young as 5) are swearing and shouting. Have given up going to the local park in the afternoon as the kids leaving overrun the park and older ones are very intimidating. In general terms it's far from my ideal.
As far as alternatives go there are several great schools but all full and very in demand too.

[HonoriaGlossop]

mummyeme, I do sympathise as it feels so so important to be happy with your child's school, specially their infant place.

i would certainly request to be on the waiting list of the one you want. People move, or decide to home school, or use private schools - things can change between now and September - or even during the reception year. So you may still get a place.

Also, have you been IN to the other school? It may look rough but...the school I went to as an infant and junior was in a REALLY rough inner city area. The kids were rough and tough BUT it was a lovely, kind, caring, happy school which I still remember with huge fondness. Don't dismiss it out of hand and if you haven't visited, really, it's worth going in.

Would you/could you consider private if you still don't feel happy?

[LIZS]

They can't just waiver their published criteria when it suits though . Check on your LEA website but chances are, while it may be proposed for future years, it won't have happened yet - you'd have heard the outcry. Sorry if you feel your dd has been unfairly treated but spare places , espeiclaly if intake numbers have been increased is not necessarily a good indicator of performance and it might also mean there are plans to increase resources from which your dd would benefit. If you named this school on your form, even as a last choice, you may not have a lot to argue with at an appeal. Go on the waiting list for your preferred one , you never know , people may well move out of the area before September.

[mummyeme]

Hi, Thanks for getting back to me, about to sound really pathetic but have had a tough time of it and I just wanted to make sure this one thing went right. I'm a single mum so couldn't afford to go private I so wish I could, just want the best for dd.
I will definitely put her name on the waiting list as you suggest and most likely go and have a look inside the school too, that makes a lot of sense.
The other concerns I have are that I have been (for want of a better term)taunted by a friend of my ex when going into town locally and his friends have made a catalogue of threats against me. There is no way I would want any of this in front of dd so I never take her into the town, it's bus trips to the shops for us. Anyway to cut a long story short, the person who's being horrid to me at the moment is sending their child to the school my dds been allocated.

[mummyeme]

Hi again,
Hadn't mentioned this school at all in my choices, so hopefully that may help at appeal?