In year transfer

[adopter2022]

Hello, just wondering if anyone has done this for their adopted child and has any advice. Have spoken with admissions and virtual school and it appears that due to the school year (year 2) being full they can't offer a space but she will be top of wait list. Virtual school have said school can go beyond PAN as an excepted child but may be up to the school. Has anyone navigated this and had their child admitted beyond the PAN? Our main reason for move is we feel she is not receiving the nurture she requires currently and this school would be able to meet her needs more fully. Thank you in advance!

A school can definitely go beyond PAN for a looked after child or formerly looked after child, and if you apply, they should need to prove why they can’t meet your child’s needs. They will not want to though and may try to discourage you- I would put my request in writing especially if this is a Local Authority school.

Thank you. That is helpful. The school governors have received our application and will consider whether they can admit her. Has anyone had to appeal to get their child admited in year?

There are admissions experts on the Primary (& Secondary) boards who can help with appeals.
With an ICS limit it will be harder to win an appeal but the needs of adopted children are reasonably well understood which should help. You are appealing for the school you want, not against the school you are in. You'll need to show the issues your child has and why this school will particularly meet them above the others.
As this is the real reason you want the school (and you aren't just using it as leverage because it gets better results ) it should be easy to prove hopefully.
e.g. has a nurture group, has trained ELSAs, has a therapy dog or whatever.

(This is all assuming she is already with you and in school. If she is just being placed then I'd hope they'd take her anyway immediately.)