To decline my school place?

[LG123]

I'm so cross, just want to yell at admissions (I won't).

My daughter got offered a place outside of catchment as my catchment school os oversubscribed. They wouldn't have to provide transport because she's under compulsory school age so my tiny 4 year old would be expected to walk 2 miles each way everyday.

Bet all the ones that drive got their place at a school round the corner.

AIBU to tell them to jog the fuck on?

@OfstedOffred thank you. Wonder if I can go that far? I'm quite non confrontational. They won't offer transport either because she isn't CSA.

That’s the perfect distance for a cargo bike!

Those are terrifically expensive and what is a working parent supposed to do? The time to get a child there/to a local CM on that, then back to change etc, isn't manageable if OP like most parents needs to get to work.

@lickenchugget if its 2miles+ and they are under 8, the council is obliged to offer transport but only if they are of compulsory school age.

If you didn't get allocated a closer school this year, why do you think waiting a year will help? What if you get an even further away school next year?

@Momijin I'm quite unstable in terms of balance and haven't cycled like that, ever but it's something to consider. I'd be tempted to use her stroller.

Before declining check the process for deferring entry for s year, some places you have to apply to do so a year in advance, not just because you are unhappy.

See where you are on waiting lists first, check the allocation was correct (I.e. your address was recorded in the correct place) and look at other nearer schools

They won't offer transport either because she isn't CSA.

So challenge that with your MP. Ask how your daughter is supposed to access the school place she is entitled to.

Contact the local press about your 4 year old effectively being denied her entitlement.

But be realistic - almost nothing you do (except sitting on the waitlist) will get you a place in the oversubscribed school, so if that's your underlying aim, give it up.

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat people don't pay attention do they.

Next year at this distance they will be required to provide transport.

I’d decline it OP and ask to go on the waiting list of the school you want. Start of school admissions are handled by the local authority but after that, the individual school handles the admissions.

Quite a few children left during our reception year as families moved do a place might come up. And if not, she’ll probably do better delaying a year anyway - the very youngest summer born babies don’t tend to do as well because they’re practically a whole year younger than some of their peers!

She’s not compulsory school age so it’s your choice.

@OfstedOffred they’re used by thousands of parents who work. It might not suit OP, but it’s a perfectly sensible suggestion.

@OrangeBlossom28

You do realise she will enter Yr1 and have missed out on her EY provision.

No necessarily, it all depends on whether the LA accepts a deferral - summer borns can start the year after their age cohort, and councils must consider all cases individually. If they accept it, then reapply and take your chances - living in the catchment area is not always enough if there are too many DC, then it is still the closest who get the places, and you may live too far away on thus and every year. You could again be offered the nearest school with a space (possibly undersubscribed because of things like awkward journey?)

If they don't (and the parent applying at the normal age does suggest the parent sees no reason why the DC shouldnt be with that group) then yes the DC will start in Y1 in whatever school has a place

@Aroundtheworldin80moves

I have checked the delaying policy already. I apply next round.

Today 06:34OrangeBlossom28

You do realise she will enter Yr1 and have missed out on her EY provision.

Almost nowhere does this now. I've never heard of any country actually requiring y1 admission for delays.

She will be fine - my late July born walked over 2 miles, mostly uphill, to school from reception with no I’ll effects.

Speak to admissions and find out where you are on the list for the closer school before you do anything. They will also be able to talk you through your options. Probs best not to shout at them though, they are just applying the criteria, it's not their fault you didn't get what you wanted.

Also... Use a buggy / scooter / toddler sling for if her legs get tired.

@OfstedOffred they’re used by thousands of parents who work. It might not suit OP, but it’s a perfectly sensible suggestion.

Yes if they already have one, but they cost a huge sum. It's like saying to OP "it's ok just buy a little car!!"

Naive to think people have spare money for a fucking cargo bike when the council should be providing transport.

@MajesticElephant I'm not expecting her to walk it, end of.

@Hedonism if it came to it I'd use the stroller.

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat people don't pay attention do they.

Next year at this distance they will be required to provide transport.

Well defer then! No need to yell at anyone!

My 4 year old walks 1.9 miles to school. Legs sometimes get a bit tired in the morning and needs a 5 min pick up once or twice but stamina has greatly improved over the year.

@PersephonePomegranate no yelling from me.

She will be fine - my late July born walked over 2 miles, mostly uphill, to school from reception with no I’ll effects.

All children are different. With mine this would take about 50 minutes, it would not be manageable with getting to work on time. There's a reason there is statutory provision for transporting children this age to school over this distance.

Ths government arent stupid. They deliberately leave in the CSA loop hole because it gives the council an extra term to find a closer school place in oversubscribed areas before having to pay for expensive school transport, but that's not fair to the child who misses their education.

OP start a petition, I'll sign it.

Please don't decline the space. You'll be cutting your nose off to spite your face.

Accept the place and go on the waiting list for your preferred schools as you're close you'll be high on the list and things change loads in the run up to starting.

Don't defer the place if you can help it. My son is nearly finishing reception and seeing how much they have learnt both the winter and summer borns, it's amazing. I've got a lot more respect for reception now. Also you've got no guarantee she'll get the closer schools if you wait a year either.

We walk to school and it's just under 2 miles. My 3 year old either scoots or is in the pushchair. My son scoots. At the start of the year I'd pull him along on the scooter when he got tired.

Calm down a bit and don't do anything drastic.

I’d decline it OP and ask to go on the waiting list of the school you want. Start of school admissions are handled by the local authority but after that, the individual school handles the admissions.

Don't do this. Declining the place will put you out altogether for this year. You need to accept the place you have been offered and then the LA (who continue to manage the process) will put you on the waiting list for any schools that were higher in your preference list.

Isn't the transport just vouchers for puplic transport? I also think it only covers one way (i.e. the journey for the child).

I could be wrong, but I don't think they provide actual physical transport.

@Twizbe yeah I wanted to delay anyway, physically she is most of behind her peers. This has just confirmed it for me really.

I don't mind next year, they have to get her there.