To be upset over school allocation

[Wineandpyjamas]

I know I probably am BU but surely I can’t be the only one?

We are 0.3 miles from our preferred school - it’s the closest one to us. My DD has a physical disability and this school is the only fully accessible one in the area. Looked around it and loved it.

Our 3rd option was the huge, estate primary which hasn’t got ‘requires improvement’ on its last two inspections with particular improvement needed in... SEN provision. It’s been undersubscribed for years.

I wake up this morning and DD has been offered a place at the third choice. I suspect it’s all sibling intake at the others.

I’ve ended up in tears thinking I’ve failed DD. I don’t know what more we could have done. It seems so unfair the way they select these things.

I know OFSTED isn’t the be all and end all of everything and I am trying to think positively but it’s early in the morning, I’ve just found out and I’m very emotional.

AIBU to have a good cry and wallow? (And then put my big girl pants on and get on with it!)

Sorry to hear you’re upset OP. The key point here is whether or not you gave details of your child’s disability at the point of admission so she could be considered under the ‘special circumstances’ criteria, if there is one. The admissions authority then look at her case to see whether her disability means that she has to attend your school of choice as it can provide something the other schools can’t.

If you didn’t mention her disability then I’m afraid it’s going to be difficult to appeal and you May just have to hope the waiting list has some movement.

that doesn't sound right. SEN children take priority over siblings.

I would investigate this further. Does your DD have an EHCP? Does she require a 1:1?

If she is severely slight impaired she should get an EHCP. definitely appeal and if unsuccessful, get the wheels in motion for an EHCP (look At IPSEA website). She will need one anyway as she progresses through primary.

As others have said, appeal. It's not about the OFSTED rating or distance, it's just that if only one school is physically accessible to your daughter, she stands a great chance of getting in on appeal.

Did you upload all the supporting documentation required to show her needs, and also fill in the "extra information" section, stating why you put that school first?

Sen children are only classed as such if they have an EHCP. It's unusual to have one before going into Reception.

For future reference always provide supporting documents decision makers never seek them out. It's purposeful to make their jobs easier and they bet on the fact that few people will appeal. Does she get DLA? Is there a classroom assistant with her at nursery? Will she get one at the 3rd choice school? If not you could claim that it cannot meet her needs as she will need someone with her to ensure her safety in moving around school. I am awaiting news about dds school for next year. If she doesn't get the right placement I will keep her home until she does. But the system in NI is different we deal with statements and it is for her secondary school placement.

That's awful OP. She should have taken priority. Really hope you can call admissions and get some answers.

Also, just to say to previous poster- you don't always need an ECHP to be classed as SEN. a few children have arrived in my class as priority and occasionally came with a 1:1 to support transition from pre school to school. Sometimes we've applied for an ECHP during the year. We haven't always been successful in gaining one but the children in question always took priority on the school allocations.

I explained all of it in my application.

What actual evidence did you provide? Just explaining it would probably not be enough.

Apply for and echp as well. Using ipsea mode letter 1. Please google it and send it off today. Whichever school she is in, she will require adjustments and assistance accessing education.

Sorry OP, I read your update - I don't know whether she would qualify on those grounds (low vision, but presumably you have stairs at home?). However I would definitely appeal, I think you have a good chance if you push it.

You need at apply for an ehcp then appeal. Even if you get in without the ehcp you should apply for one before your daughter starts school. They are much much harder to get once your child has started school

Yeah id be gutted too.Absolute crap-if yourDD isnt priority theres something seriously messed up with the selection criteria.Get the big gal pants on&kick some arse at appeal.Good luck x

If you don't have an EHCP, apply immediately - there's information about how to do so here. I'm afraid it won't come through before September, but you can consider whether to leave your daughter in nursery till it does, or aiming to move to closer school at a later stage.

You may be entitled to school transport to the current school, even if it is less than two miles away, in view of your daughter's disability. I'd suggest you apply for it, not least because if the placement is costing extra money the local authority may be more disposed to help you.

Was it in your catchment though? For example, we have one literally two streets over from us, but we're not in catchment. We are however in catchment for the one a 25 minute walk away :( Definitely appeal though.

SEN only has priority if there an EHCP in place, otherwise nothing.

Sen children are only classed as such if they have an EHCP. It's unusual to have one before going into Reception.

Not true. There are thousands of children on the SEN register, but only a small proportion of those have EHCPs.

Good luck with your appeal

Check your local EHCP threshold document (usually found on LA website). The criteria for VI and HI are usually very clear e.g will meet criteria for a plan if distance vision is measured as 6/36 or worse.

"Sen children are only classed as such if they have an EHCP. It's unusual to have one before going into Reception."

Children can be classed as having sen without having a ehcp but an ehcp is the only way to ensure you get priority over school choice.
Many children do start school with a ehcp. Mine had a statement aged 3. I would not wait for a school to apply for one.

Oh dear, that does seem pretty shitty of them. Another on here saying to appeal.

And also, yes, absolutely do wallow for a little bit this morning

OP - who was the furthest away pupil admitted on distance because 0.3miles is extremely close!

Many thanks everyone - we’ve completed a DLA and are waiting for that to come through. I had no idea about an EHCP but will definitely look into it.

I’ve emailed her nursery SENCO asking for a meeting to discuss possible next steps. Also will book her in for an appointment at the ophthalmology department and ask if they can provide us with some sort of certification.

I’ve had a cup of tea now and have calmed down - the big girl pants are well and truly on!

SEN only has priority if there an EHCP in place, otherwise nothing.

That's not true either. Children with an EHCP should be admitted outside the normal admissions round.

Many children are classed as SEN but that doesn’t give them priority in regards to admissions. They need an EHCP to get SEN priority. Application is different for these children. The preferred school is named on the plan and the family do not need to apply using the normal admissions process.

Appeal. I appealed and got my DD a place at the same school as her siblings so yes, appeals do work.