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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to decline an offer of school place that was 3rd preference?

16 replies

Sobloodyworried123 · 16/09/2015 10:43

Long story short only moved here a month ago so very late application for reception place.
First offer was 8 miles away :(
So added all my local schools to waiting list prefs literally in distance from the house, 1-6.
Rang yesterday to see where we are on waiting lists and have been taken off 4/5/6 as number 3 has been made an offer.
Bad ofsted report, very low fence surrounding it, low levels of achievement etc.
really shouldn't have put it however was advised to put all local schools as come January when he has to be in school any offer could be made which I would then have to take :(
But I don't think I can send him there, but on what basis can I decline when it was one of my bloody prefs?

OP posts:
Witchend · 16/09/2015 10:52

If you decline it then I think the council doesn't have to find you anywhere.

EduCated · 16/09/2015 10:55

You can decline, but then the local authority is under no obligation to find you another place, and you may be left with no place at all.

If you post in Education or Primary Education, there are several posters who are walking admissions encyclopaedias Smile

Seeline · 16/09/2015 10:55

I think Witchend is right.
I think you need to accept the place, but request to stay on the waiting lists for all the other schools. This used to be possible, but I'm sure someone with more recent knowledge will be able to advise.

TeenAndTween · 16/09/2015 10:57

Accept the place, defer entry until January.

Then put his name back on the waiting list for any schools you think are better.

If you don't have a different place by January you will need to go with the accepted place or home educate. If you home ed you must be willing for this to continue indefinitely in case a place never comes up that you qualify for (at least until end Infants).

steppemum · 16/09/2015 11:07

as tween said. Accept and defer and ask to remain on all waiting lists

DisappointedOne · 16/09/2015 11:11

You should have updated your original post OP.

Original poster
Sobloodyworried123 · 16/09/2015 11:12

I couldn't find original post maybe as a little old now? The head was not willing to defer when I spoke to her to arrange a visit for next week??

OP posts:
steppemum · 16/09/2015 11:14

I am not 100% sure, but I thought you had the legal right to accept a reception place and not take it up until your child turns 5. If so, the head is talking bollocks, and she doesn't want you to defer but she can't legally stop you.

You need to check that with someone who knows better though.

Enkopkaffetak · 16/09/2015 11:18

Op go post in primary school forum you will get very good advice there. I too believe you have the right to defeer. However experts there will explain the howand whens and legality to you there.

LIZS · 16/09/2015 11:24

Accept the place but stay on the waiting lists . Did you research the options before listing them ? A "bad" Ofsted should not in itself condemn the school, criteria have changed and a needs improvement can attract investment and refresh staff. I'm not sure why you are focussing on the fence as Reception would have a further enclosed area separate to main playground. Have you visited the offered school yet?

LIZS · 16/09/2015 11:38

I've just seen which this school is and find it strange that this is your 3rd closest if you live near Cheam Confused what about all the village schools in between. It will take at least half an hour in the morning and must be at least 6 miles. Goodness knows where your 4th-6th are!

Original poster
Sobloodyworried123 · 16/09/2015 11:46

It was only 3rd as we were advised it had 3 spaces available.
The 4/5/6th are all local but we are numbers 25-40 on them :(
We are 1st on the waiting list for our second which is our closest school and 1st choice is a religious one so don't operate placements on waiting lists as goes on religion over catchment.
I am waiting on a call back to arrange to see the school however from what they said there isn't a separate playing area for reception, they use the main playground

OP posts:
LIZS · 16/09/2015 11:50

Thought all FS settings had to have a separate play area. There is a nursery class there too iirc.

LIZS · 16/09/2015 11:55

Think there was another mnetter looking for a reception place in that area recently, wonder if they are aware or could exchange opinions with you.

LIZS · 16/09/2015 12:01

here. Wonder if those 3 places have come up only recently given the situation described.

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