Can an appeal affect position on school waiting list?

[smogwod]

We've recently moved and although dd2 has been offered a reception place at our local first school starting in September, dd1 (who's coming to the end of y1) has been offered one at one of 2 schools approx 2.5 miles away (and I don't drive). Both dd's are currently at their old school/nurseries in our old town but once dd2 starts school we'll have to move dd1 somewhere closer too. We're thinking of appealing but given the infant class size rules understand that we have little chance of success. So just wondered if an appeal could bump us up the waiting list? I was optimistic whilst dd1 was first on the list but she's since been bumped down to 2nd so I'm far less hopeful.

She should go back up in September when you Dd2 starts at the school.
You also need to check the numbers in each class, and the way classes are organised to ensure it is an Infant Class size appeal.

Unfortunately she already counts as having a sibling link - there's just another child with a sibling link closer than us. I'll get on the phone to the school on Monday, desperately hoping that there're only at 30 in each y1 class at the moment

Thanks tiggy, that's what I feared!

I've been to the school today and learnt that both Y1 classes have only 30 in them at the moment so we're only waiting for 2 leavers and they think someone will be leaving over the summer. Just need to hope someone else leaves before someone else moves in (preferably before September!). It's a really popular little school though and has just got an outstanding at ofsted so will try not to get my hopes up too much.

I'm now undecided whether to appeal now or to wait until Y3 when we don't have the infant class size rules to contend with. Is that even possible once dd1 has been in another school for a year?

Excellent news thanks again tiggy, nothing to lose then other than our time. Could we resubmit the same appeal in a year's time? Don't want to appear defeatist but do appreciate it'll be a bit of a long shot this time!

Thanks that's all good ammo. Actually it's dd2 who seems to be more affected thus far - she says she's not going to school if she can't go with her big sister whereas dd1 is being far more stoic - when I told her that she may need to change schools twice said 'cool, that means I'll get loads more friends'. Proud mum moment! Won't be including that in my appeal tho...