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Original poster

Using key worker place for adopted child

106 replies

twoblueskies · 04/01/2021 21:55

Just wanting thoughts and opinions . I have two children youngest age six is adopted . She struggle with friendships and separating from me was awful for years but before COVID she started to settle , then came lockdown and she was home with us . When schools reopened she went back and after a difficult return she settled again and was really enjoying friendships and doing really well and so proud of herself . Now we are back to lockdown I’m aware that we can technically request a school place for her . I don’t work ( I gave up work when we realised that youngest needed more continuity than we could give with me working ) so I can homeschool far easier than most , but I hate to think she is going to slip back again but I know places are scarce and feel uncomfortable taking a place from a keyworker family . Thoughts please

OP posts:
LividLovely · 04/01/2021 22:02

It’s keyworker or vulnerable and she counts as the latter. Do what’s right for her.

SameToo · 04/01/2021 22:03

Schools won’t be as they are usually. Would that upset her routine?

Lilimoon · 04/01/2021 22:04

Do what you need to do for your daughter's wellbeing.

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Families
humptyrumpty · 04/01/2021 22:06

do they not ask for some sort of proof that you’re a key worker or the child has a special statement?

Original poster
twoblueskies · 04/01/2021 22:06

Same too , she had 4 days over two weeks last lockdown and coped really well with the difference x

OP posts:
SallyTimms · 04/01/2021 22:06

You should have a place automatically as a vulnerable /!looked after child. If school try to refuse this go above them. You have the right to a place

Disfordarkchocolate · 04/01/2021 22:07

It's not taking someone else's place its taking up her place.

KihoBebiluPute · 04/01/2021 22:07

She is vulnerable - the exceptions for vulnerable children are there precisely because for some children the risks of harm from not going to school are worse than the risks of harm from covid. It is fine to take the school place. If it feels right, you could consider sending her in part-time so that she gets both the continuity of school and the individual 1:1 that you can provide.

Allaboutthatbass · 04/01/2021 22:07

She is elegible, do what you think on balance will be best for her and for your family as a whole and have no regrets.

GoldenZigZag · 04/01/2021 22:08

Fucking around with the relationships and routines of a child who has already experienced more loss and separation than we can comprehend, has the potential to do long term damage. She's eligible for a place for a reason, so if you think it's the right thing for her, do it.

Original poster
twoblueskies · 04/01/2021 22:09

Humptyrumpty it was the school who told me she was eligible due to her being adopted , she comes under vulnerable category .

OP posts:
Binglebong · 04/01/2021 22:09

Potentially every child could have key worker patents and would then have a place - they won't just cut it off after ie 15. If she would be better off at school then send her - she is eligible.

humptyrumpty · 04/01/2021 22:10

@twoblueskies

Humptyrumpty it was the school who told me she was eligible due to her being adopted , she comes under vulnerable category .
Oh well then of course send her if it would be best for her!
bluerad · 04/01/2021 22:10

Definitely send her in if you think she would benefit.

TheDinosaurTrain · 04/01/2021 22:11

Vulnerable children take priority for good reason, don’t feel that you’re taking anyone’s place

Viviennemary · 04/01/2021 22:12

If she is eligible for a place and you think she'd benefit then you absolutely must take it.

borageforager · 04/01/2021 22:13

It’s not taking someone’s place, she’s just as entitled to a place as another child. Don’t hesitate to do what you think is best for her.

AdditionalCharacter · 04/01/2021 22:13

She will be classed as a vulnerable child, the place is there for her, and it sounds like she needs it. Send her in for her own mental health.

scrivette · 04/01/2021 22:14

She is eligible and therefore you are not 'taking up a space'. My sons friend is adopted and they were in the keyworker class together last time and they really benefited from being in school with the routine and not being homeschooled.

SimonJT · 04/01/2021 22:17

Children in care and children who have been in care are a priority.

If your daughter would benefit from being at school send her, her vulnerability and history don’t go away jusr because you are a stay at home parent.

inquietant · 04/01/2021 22:18

@Disfordarkchocolate

It's not taking someone else's place its taking up her place.
This. If she's eligible, she's eligible.
ivfbeenbusy · 04/01/2021 22:20

Genuine question but why does being adopted make her vulnerable when she is in a happy stable and loving home with you? Plus you don't work and can easily Home school?
Surely she's not "looked after" in the sense a foster child is - she's "yours" in the same way a biological child would be?

I've not long had a conversation with my hospital midwife that during the last lockdown there were so many people that used "key worker" status or other statuses to obtain a place even when one of them didn't work/WFH that her and her husband (who was a prison officer so Both in very important essential jobs) couldn't get a place.....

morekidsthanhands · 04/01/2021 22:20

Did you have a place offered to you first time?
I have two children under an sgo, one with special needs and we weren't the first time and struggled through (it was hell). Just wondering if things are different this time and if I have any chance of getting mine in.

Bluesername · 04/01/2021 22:25

You won't be using someone else's place, it will be your DD's place. If you feel it's best for her, don't hesitate to accept the place.

Scrunchcake · 04/01/2021 22:32

@ivfbeenbusy

Genuine question but why does being adopted make her vulnerable when she is in a happy stable and loving home with you? Plus you don't work and can easily Home school? Surely she's not "looked after" in the sense a foster child is - she's "yours" in the same way a biological child would be?

I've not long had a conversation with my hospital midwife that during the last lockdown there were so many people that used "key worker" status or other statuses to obtain a place even when one of them didn't work/WFH that her and her husband (who was a prison officer so Both in very important essential jobs) couldn't get a place.....

It's not the adoption in itself, it's the "previously looked after" that means those children are prioritised. They also (rightly) qualify for additional pupil premium funding, and priority in school admissions.

OP, I agree with most PP - you should do whatever is right for your DD.