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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to be really upset over this school issue?

18 replies

extremepie · 05/04/2011 23:45

Am really upset about this, have just been sitting here in tears because I don't know what to do :(

Basically, we just got a letter through today saying that my 4yr old DS did not get his first choice of school for reception.

This is bad enough, as he currently goes to nursery there and can't wait to go 'to big school' which is just across the path from his nursery. It's also a problem because I have applied for a nursery place for my younger son to start attending the same nursery this September.

I was hoping to take them to school at the same time (understandably!).

What makes it even worse is that of the three schools we applied for, he did not get any of them, and has since been offered a place at a school which is twice as far away (about 2 miles).

There are only 3 schools left in the area which I can appeal to get a place at, all of which are at least 45 minutes away (walking).

We are on a very low income and do not have a car.

How am I supposed to get two children (one of whom is autistic), to two different schools which are at least 45 minutes walk in opposite directions at the same time.

Impossible? Or I am I just missing something?

Help!

OP posts:

pigletmania · 05/04/2011 23:48

Thats dreadful , how far do you live from your first choice school? cant you not appeal?

leanmeancoffeebean · 05/04/2011 23:50

Is your 4 year old the DS with autism? If so, I'm certain you can appeal if you can prove that your 1st choice is the one which is able to meet his needs most specifically. If you add in the fact that it's a logistical nightmare, you have a pretty good case.

You need to list the reasons why it's important he goes to the first choice school, and how it will effect his education and development, with regard to his autism, if he doesn't go there.

itsalarf · 05/04/2011 23:51

You could appeal I suppose. Which of the criteria do you think you did not fulfill? Is there a nursery at the other school which your younger child could go to? Sorry you are having a rubbish day.

Skinit · 05/04/2011 23:59

You might hve a good chance at appeal....there will be lots of help on here when you get the forms...and when you get seen and interviewd about it. I know it seems dreadful and it is pretty hard....but dont worry about him moving once you manage to get an appeal through...because he will be so young still he will be fine.

As for the two miles and no car you could see if you're eligable for a taxi from the LEA...the education department of the council will help you to apply.

Phone up tomorrow and ak about appeals...and then come back here for more help.

Original poster

extremepie · 06/04/2011 00:00

It's actually the younger one who is due to start in Sept which has autism, so that might not help me with appealing for the older one's school place :(

Not really sure why we did not get a place, I can only assume it's something to do with the number of children requesting a place but we only live just over a mile from the first choice school!

I think there is another nursery at once of the other available schools but that would still leave us with 6 trips a day of 45 minutes each (drop ds1&2 off at school, home, pick up ds2, home, pick up ds1, home!).

Plus I've already applied for DS2's nursery place :(

I know this sounds a bit stupid but I'm really not sure how to appeal either :S
Will certainly try to though!

OP posts:

Skinit · 06/04/2011 00:01

What is the school you have been allocated like? How are the Ofsteds? You could apply for the youngest to go there also if it's any good....

Skinit · 06/04/2011 00:02

Call your council education department...the main switcboard will put you through and they will explain from there...you can usually do it online.

Skinit · 06/04/2011 00:03

Are there no buses? Would you have to walk?

Original poster

extremepie · 06/04/2011 00:08

Thanks, will try that ASAP!

Everything I've heard about the school we have been allocated so far is not great :S

There are buses that go that way but, unfortunately, bus journeys x 6 = expensive and stressful (DS2 doesn't like them, especially if they're crowded).

Feel so stuck :(

OP posts:

worraliberty · 06/04/2011 00:09

Oh that's shit

It really is worth an appeal though because you'd be surprised how many people don't take the places they are offered because they've moved away or decided on another school.

Also don't give up hope...if you have to accept another school, make sure your school of choice keeps you on their waiting list. I know that'll mean buying two sets of uniform but at least if your oldest gets in, there's more chance of a sibling link admission in the future for your youngest.

worraliberty · 06/04/2011 00:11

There should be a number on the letter you received regarding appeals. If not, just ring the school of your choice and they'll give you the number for admissions at the LEA.

Skinit · 06/04/2011 00:12

Worraliberty's right...its amazing how fluid things are when kids are this young...people move or change their minds all the time. I second that you make sure you are on the waiting list...call regularly to check....once every three weeks....our council is VERY bad at record keepng and after my DD had been on a lkist for one year with me calling regulalrly....they suddenly Had no record of it!

Original poster

extremepie · 06/04/2011 00:27

Just checked the ofsted report on the web, it got 2 1/2 stars out of 5, so not great, by comparison my first choice school got 4.

Will be appealing, would be so heart-broken if he can't stay at the school he's in but you are right he would adapt and make friends if he had to go somewhere else, I think I'd probably be more upset than him!

OP posts:

Skinit · 06/04/2011 00:30

Yes....and its the support you get at home whic makes all the difference. I went to one of the worst schools in Wales but I've got a very good degree...so have both my siblings and my nephews...it's home which matters most. Also you could get a buss pass...

manicinsomniac · 06/04/2011 00:35

wow, that is an awful situation for you.

I don't normally support people appealing because I don't think it's fair on schools that are full but in your case I think you definitely should. I imagine the board do not know your personal circumstances. You ought to have a good case.

I thought that, if you were at an attached nursery of a school, your progression would be automatic. Crazy.

Skinit · 06/04/2011 00:38

It is crazy manic but many attached nurseries take on more kids than there are places for in the reception.

worraliberty · 06/04/2011 00:39

Sadly the criteria keeps changing manic at my son's school a child attending nursery used to mean automatic admission to reception...but not any more due to over crowding and too many sibling links

OP I think your appeal would probably be best on the grounds of the fact your child has already attended nursery there and that you don't drive etc...but add every single reason you can think of, even if you feel it might not make a difference.

Appeal panels are made up of all different people and they will include parents who I'm sure will empathise.

allset · 06/04/2011 01:01

Hi, this happened to us last year and I was also devastated
I am not sure you'll have much luck appealing but do try
Your best hope lies with refusing the new school place and asking to be on the waiting list of your preferred school - find out where you are on the list. As an 'unplaced' child he will be a high priority. You will be amazed by how many people don't take a place at your first choice school, either because they move, or because they live on the border of two authorities and so have applied in two different areas, or for other reasons.
And if it doesn't work out and he has to go to the other school as you say you can make the best of it
Good luck!

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