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Original poster

In-year appeal - is this a strong case?

31 replies

senshayshonal · 10/06/2022 13:20

DC (year 8) has had lots of behaviour and attendance issues at current school. School suggested a move and a fresh start elsewhere. DC is up for it and likes the look of another school nearby, but it is full, hence the apoeal. Current school has arranged for a member of support staff (not employed by school, but comes in to support) to write a really good letter saying why they think a move would be a good idea. Will this be enough?

OP posts:
LargeLegoHaul · 10/06/2022 19:06

Have you applied for an EHCNA?

SummerHouse · 10/06/2022 18:31

An appeal hinges on it being that school and only that school that meets your needs. You have to show that the detriment to your child is greater than the detriment to the school in taking a pupil when technically full. So a letter saying why the move is needed is good but you also need to say why that particular school is the one your child needs. You could have a look at thier ethos on behaviour for example and state a case as to why your child would be disadvantaged not to be under thier particular procedures.

Labpictures · 10/06/2022 18:21

No I’m assuming negative behaviour and attendance? Why would they want that?
does he have Sen? An EHCP? A psp? Or bps?

PatriciaHolm · 10/06/2022 18:20

The problem with a managed move is that the existing school has to be prepared to take the child back should the move prove unsuccessful; the move is always on a trial basis, with the child remaining on the roll of the existing school during the trial. If the existing school is determined that this won't be appropriate, they are unlikely to want to participate in a managed move.

That doesn't mean your existing school can't make approaches to the other school, but if they are full with a waiting list they will almost certainly refuse.

Any appeal will need to show that the detriment to the child of not getting a place is greater than the detriment to the school of taking another pupil. What is it about this school that would benefit him specifically? A letter simply saying he needs to move won't be very helpful in an appeal for a specific school unless it is very clear why the intended school is the best for his needs.

TizerorFizz · 10/06/2022 13:33

And the managed move will be to a school that will accept your DC. Maybe one of theirs will go to your existing school.

TizerorFizz · 10/06/2022 13:32

No. The school will argue they are full in this year and adding another pupil will be prejudicial to the education of the existing DC.

Ask your existing school to broker a deal. This is a managed move so the school should manage it. Most schools will accept looked after DC and those with the school named on a EHC plan but that fancying a school is not enough. Speak to the existing school about a managed move. Read up about what should happen.