Does your LA give sibling priority when Reception place offered, or not until they actually start in September?

[Buzzyear]

Just that really - I want to find out if our LA is the only one doing things in this way.

It seems ridiculous as it significantly lowers the chance of families being kept together when there is an older sibling who also needs a school place.

In our case it means one of my children will have to start at another school in September, to perhaps be moved in the first few weeks as sibling priority comes into play once Reception child has begun attending.

It's going to be very unsettling for one child, not to mention 2 sets of school uniform and a near impossible school run to 2 different schools.

Is there actually space for the older child to start now though?

Yes, I think that's standard practice (you have to have a child actually at the school). Of course if you wanted to appeal for your older child, you could include the fact that they will have a sibling in school come September as part of your evidence.

No, no place right now but there is a child leaving. The place will go to the next person on the waiting list who does not have a sibling at the school.

Our last LA offered sibling priority as soon as a Reception place was accepted.

I don't know, but I'd repost in Primary Education, there are some great experts over there.