Fees and lack of funds

[AgathaMystery]

I suppose it happens to a lot of people but we have sadly found ourselves in financial difficulties.

It's nothing dramatic - my husband is self employed and there is no work. I work part time and do extra work to make up to about 40 hours a week. I work in the NHS and whilst my salary isn't awful, it doesn't go very far. I have been working extra shifts through my annual leave recently to top up my salary.

We are nearing the end of our savings and I need to know what to do about the school fees.

The school offers very generous bursaries in the senior school but not in the prep. I moved us to monthly notice some time ago as a just-in-case measure.

We have equity in our house but I am acutely aware that that is all we have left now. I also put us on a 5yr deal 4 months ago that means no chance of a mortgage break for 2 years.

I know I need to make an appointment with the head &/or the bursar - I just need some advice please. I don't know how to get through the meeting without sobbing.

Has anyone ever been through this?

Personally I would follow up the letter they didn't reply to. I would email a range of people in the LEA about it and also ring frequently.

With these things you get further if you are proactive and frequently remind them that you are there and waiting. Do not simply write and then wait......you could wait a long time.

Get hold of names and numbers of those invovoved in sorti this out. Be clear you are looking for a place NOW rather than suggesting you are okay until Easter. Ring or email every week for updates.

There is still a week until the end of term for many schools and the LEA - its definitely enough time to make email or phone contact so you can clarify you want a place now. It is highly unlikely there are zero places anywhere.

You may feel like you are being a pest - but be one and make clear that you will be making weekly contact.

I think the problem has come as the OP has told the lea she has a place until Easter. I suspect they are hearing that as no responsibility to find/look for a place until Easter. If shed said xmas/now they'd have to find a place similar to someone moving into the area.

But yes as wombat says, pester!

I know that at my DC’s state school, prospective parents regularly phone the school office and ask if there are any places in their child’s year group. If there are, they get shown around immediately. I’m not sure how the LEA bit fits in, but is it possible that you could contact the schools directly and get further than making a central application?

Sorry if you’ve already tried this.

Good luck OP. I hope you find a nice school for your DD and she settles in well

You need to believe that your son can manage this change with confidence, and he will. I tell you, he'll be sensing how you are feeling at the moment and it won't be helping him move forward. You're bringing your own bad experiences into this and thinking it will be the same, it won't! Try and believe in him and yourself. I know it's easier said than done but kids are resilient and strong.
Good luck!

Hi all - happy new year. I thought I would update as I hate it when people don't.

My husband got a 4 week contract before Xmas and I continued to work every shift I could. He commuted 5 hrs a day but that's life sometimes.

On the 9th of Jan I gave notice to the school.

On the 10th my husband applied for a local contract but it had already been filled. The recruiter asked if he was interested in perm work. Erm, yes.

On the 11th he had an interview. Yesterday evening they rang and offered him the job.

He signed the contract today. Perm job, in the city we live in. Amazing salary.

I feel like a hideous weight has been lifted. Thank you all who were supportive during a terrible time.

Thank you for the update. What a relief!

Brilliant news, congratulations on the new job