In year appeal KS2

[ProjectMoose]

We're moving to a new area shortly after Easter and I have been informed that the primary school I have applied for is full, my son will be the first child on the waiting list.

I have been offered a place at another school 2 miles away but I have no means of getting him to the school. He is lower KS2 and not mature enough to make his own way to school yet.

Am I being totally unrealistic to even hope that we could win an appeal based purely on the fact that I can't physically get him to any other school? (I will be working on the same street as the school we have been refused and therefore will be able to drop him off at breakfast club).

The school we have been offered looks lovely but it does not offer any wrap around care and the school day begins at 8.50. I will be starting work at 8am and there is no possibility of flexibility around this.

Aside from the issue of the logistics of getting him to the offered school, I am also concerned about the possible negative impact it would have on him starting at one school and potentially moving to another shortly after.

Any advice would be great, I'm already worrying about him being out of school for several weeks while we wait for an appeal date.

[ChilliMum]

I am no expert but I don't think that inability to get to a school is grounds for appeal.

Can you find a childminder that drops at the other school and can provide wrap around care?

[ProjectMoose]

I have found one childminder that could possibly cover the wrap around issue and does drop off at the offered school, haven't made contact yet but her advertised working hours fit with what we will need.

Worried I have hastily refused the place at the offered school which could cause problems if the appeal is not successful.

[prh47bridge]

ChilliMum is correct that it is very unlikely you will win an appeal on transport or childcare issues.

I would recommend contacting the LA to see if the offered place is still available. If it is you should accept it. Not doing so may harm your appeal unless you have a realistic plan for coping if your son doesn't get a place at your preferred school.

You need to concentrate on the reasons your son needs to attend this school. It should be about things this school offers that are not available at the allocated school and that are particularly relevant to your son. For example, is he sporty? If he is and the school you want has lots of sporting activities but the allocated school doesn't you can use that in your appeal.

[ProjectMoose]

Managed to speak to someone at admissions yesterday and accept the place offered. Had a lovely chat with one of the office staff at the school too who said she thought it wouldn't be unreasonable to hold back until we've had the appeal just in case the appeal is successful (to save my son any more upheaval).

My plan is to arrange a visit to the offered school after Easter and arrange a provisional start day for after the appeal, he's got two weeks off school for Easter and then potentially another two or three weeks off while we wait for an appeal date.

Not too worried about the academic side of it, he's fairly able and I'm confident he'll catch up but will discuss that with the school when we go visit.

Thanks for your replies.

[ProjectMoose]

Things have moved on a little bit and I wondered if anyone could advise me further...

The appeal date has been pushed back and will now not be held for another five weeks (three weeks after the initial date that was set) . I have contacted the school that offered a place and asked if he can start immediately.

I am still going to appeal the decision but I'm wondering if there is anything in particular that could help my case.

Is it worth contacting the school to find out their PAN and whether they've gone over that in the past? He is in y4 and my knowledge of the system is very limited. Is PAN only relevant in infant classes?

I am aware that my reasons for wanting the shool are weak but I'm still going to try. I have no issue with the offered school, he will be attending it while we wait for the appeal but the logistics of getting him there and back are so difficult and not manageable long term.

[prh47bridge]

PAN is always relevant. If they have been over PAN in Y4 previously it suggests they can cope with additional children.

As per my previous post, you need to look at what this school offers that is different from the allocated school. If you can find things that are relevant to your son that will make your case stronger.