Help School Place for year 3

[girliesmum]

We have just heard that DD has not got a place in her linked Junior school.

We are currently out of catchment but are in the process of moving.

I have put her on the waiting list but I am really worried about what is going to happen in September.

Does anyone have any useful ideas?

How disappointing . Keep the school informed of your moving plans especially as once you exchange you may be higher priority on their waiitng list. It is also possible that some of those who have got places may be awaiting the outcome of applications elsewhere, at private shcools for instance, or planning to move out of the area so don't despair.

thank you, it is frustrating because I know a lot have applied to our school because a nearby school had a bad ofsted last year.

It makes you wonder what the point of choice of school is when it prevents people in the catchment area from obtaining a place

has anyone else been faced with a similar situation. What did you do?

not exactly been in position but wanted to offer sympathy - I know how stressful this all is - have spent half last year trying to move house in order to get infant school place in new area!

I would definitely appeal the decision - have you got a copy of the local authority schools admissions policy? also apparently the school have their own policy on admissions so get a copy of that. Obviously if the move happens before Sept you will be in catchment. But I would appeal anyway on the grounds that you are doing everything humanly possible to get to the area. At least it registers that you really mean it and really want her there!

Only other thing is I guess, try not to stress because you are doing all you can and the result is out of your hands. hope it all works out for you.

thanks I will definately appeal. (when I get throught to the LEA whose numbers are almost permanently engaged).

Get back to the LEA as soon as you have exchanged contracts - we were in the process of moving when applying for secondary schools for DS1 and they wouldn't even talk to me without written proof of exchange as until then saying I was going to be in the catchment area just didn't count. If you are in-area by the time you appeal you have a very good chance of success. I know it is really stressful and frustrating, but I guess you can see their point as so many people take short-term lets/use parents addresses or just lie to get into decent schools these days!! Best of luck.

what happens in September if you haven't secured a place. All the other schools in the area are Primary (ours is Junior) and therefore do not have a September intake and cannot hold a place open until then.

The LEA have to provide somewhere for your child. Visit some of the primaries so you cna see the alternatives. You'll probably find that some may already have a place or children will be moving on at year 2/3, perhaps to the junior you requested although they may not confirm until after Easter. Also I think class sizes at ks2 can be larger than ks1 , although I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

one of the main reasons for moving is the quality of the school (I know some find this unethical!) Life would also be much easier if she continues to go there as not only is she settled with friends and things but my neice and nephew both attend the same school and my sister in-law and I share childcare.

Therein lie your grounds for appeal. Childcare can be a suitable criteria I believe. Sil used the argument that her CM already picked up from an out of catchment school to get her kids in too. Would still look at alternatives though.

(angry) just found out that loads out of catchment have got places and we were probably declined because we are the farthest away even though we are in the process of moving.

I know its no ones fault but it is so frustrating!