Mainstream primary application

[MooMummyMoo]

Ok, so this isn't strictly a SN issue, but in a roundabout way it is. So be patient!

DD1 has SN and attends special school. We now need to apply for DD2 (NT) in a mainstream primary.

I know SN children themselves have priority entry on admissions criteria but is there any sway held for siblings? I am thinking in terms of reasoning in the additional comments box?

My reasons are:

1. if we don't get our closest school I would have to drive to get back each day for DD1's taxi drop off. I have to be back in time.
   
2. all my options of childcare - people that know/are experienced in caring for DD1 only pick up from my preferred school - if we got the other school I would have to have two different childcare options to look after the girls
   
3. we looked closely with HT of preferred school for DD1. It wasn't a viable option in the end but the HT was keen to involve DD1 in school activities as appropriate once her sisters attended the school - integration to the local community is a real thing for us and she wanted to support us however she could
   
   Sorry this is long. I guess I just want to know do I have ANY grounds for extra consideration of our application or does DD1's situation make no difference to DD2's situation (even though it will knock on)

[beautifulgirls]

I think sadly it is unlikely that these reasons will hold any extra sway for the decisions as they need to stick to criteria. You may find more help posting this on the primary education board though - there are 2-3 posters on there who deal with a lot of school admission rules and would be able to give you appropriate and accurate advice better than I can.

[MooMummyMoo]

Thanks beautiful. I have to admit I am bit scared of using the other message boards - I never stray from here!! May have to be brave though...

[Summerdaydreams]

We got dd1 into primary based on our dd2s needs and other health issues in the family, but DD1 was already in the nursery, so our approach was that we didn't want any upheaval for dd with the stresses already on the family. Our mitigating circumstances were submitted under 'social needs'.

I think it is certainly worth a go. The stress/complications upon your family life juggling the pick ups/child care etc.
Our GP and HV provided a letter detailing the issues. I would certainly give it a go, the worse they can say is no. Good luck.

[MooMummyMoo]

That's useful, thank you Summer. I know it sounds a bit pathetic but I do want her to go to school with people that know her and already know DD1. Life at home is harder for DD2 than an average child and it would be nice to protect her from more difficulty I suppose.

As you say, worth a go!

[Summerdaydreams]

Not pathetic at all. Totally get it. I think what you describe is certainly grounds for mitigating circumstances to be considered. Speak with your GP/pead or anyone involved in dd's care to see if they can assist with a letter outlining your concerns and the possible impact on both dds and you as the primary carer, if she doesn't get the school of your choice.

[MeirAiaNeoAlibi]

I would have to drive to get back each day for DD1's taxi drop off. I have to be back in time won't work

if we don't get our closest school DD2 will be at risk of arriving late/ may have to leave early so we can get back each day for DD1's taxi drop off could swing it (if true)

integration to the local community is a real thing for us Yes for both girls. Presume if your dd2 is miles away in a school that dosn't welcome dd1, she too will just have to stay home and miss out on the jumble sales, plays etc.

Could dd1 school head write a letter of support re knock-on benefits to dd1 ?

[MeirAiaNeoAlibi]

childcare options only pick up from my preferred school
Convenience for parents doesn't swing admissions.

Do you mean the only way to get childcare which could cater for both girls, is for dd2 to be at the local school- and the sib relationship is very important yadda yadda

[MooMummyMoo]

Yes basically. Sorry so many thoughts going round my head, I am finding it hard to be coherent!

From a financial point of view it would mean paying twice. I guess they don't care much about that. But from a social point of view, it would mean splitting the children up, isolating DD1 from DD2 (and DD3 and 4 in time), separating the family - DD1's sisters will be integral to her care as she grows older, for me it is imperative they have as close relationship as possible to safeguard things for the future.

Oh heck, I fear I am rambling again...

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Would ultimately a solution to the problem be evoking your DD1s rights to a mainstream education and requesting her statement name preferred mainstream school with the shed load of resources this will entail. Would your dd2 then get in under the admission criteria?

[2boysnamedR]

I think that all of above is worth including. I know some one who won their infant appeal based on something protection based.

I'm going to have two kids miles away I drive to. Then ds in a taxi. I won't be able to get home in time some days. Not sure how that will pan out but I can't be in two places at once so someone is going to sitting about waiting for me.

[MooMummyMoo]

It's hard isn't 2boys, your situation sounds really tricky. Starlight- yes if DD1 had gone to the mainstream school, which we did consider , then DD2 would have got in on sibling preference. I suppose the only saving grace is that in that instance I'd now be stressing instead that DD1 couldn't then get a place subsequently at the special school which is also oversubscribed!
Always something to worry about, isn't there!!

[MostHighlyFlavouredLady]

'yes if DD1 had gone to the mainstream school, which we did consider , then DD2 would have got in on sibling preference.'

Well then. You can first try the way you are planning. If it comes to appeal you can first of all accuse them of not being able to provide for your child in mainstream as is her right and which therefore would not have put you in this sorry mess. And then you could allude to a possible solution being moving her to the mainstream school with the twice as expensive provision that would entail as likely to be your only option.

[MooMummyMoo]

Very nice

[ohnoalfie]

A friend appealed against her eldest dc allocated secondary school which was a few miles across town. She had a younger dc in primary with sn. She argued that she needed her eldest in a school nearer the primary as it made pick up impossible. The school EP wrote a letter backing her request. Not sure if it was a point of actual legislation but I seem to remember her saying they looked at the eldest more favourably as younger dc had sen. Could you ask someone at your dc1 school to perhaps write a letter on your behalf. Good luck.