possible house move-bit stupid

[wheresthevalium]

I may be about to move house, and I have no idea how to go about scouting for/applying for schools for my 2 DDs (they are currently in Reception and Nursery). If you move into an area and the local school is fully subscribed what's the best move, apply for the school and pray?

Please help, I can't make a decision about moving before I know

I think it depends on the area. In DS1's new school, you would have to go on a waiting list if the school is full. We were lucky as Year 1 was the only year that had places. I rang the Local Education Authority and the school - the school were far more helpful! If nothing else, they should be able to tell you who to ring in the LEA. My advice would be to get a name rather than just a department- I was passed around from person to person, all of whom gave me slightly differing advice, until I finally found the person in charge who gave me a definitive answer.

We;ve just done this. Ds has just been offered a place in Y3 at a popular local school, but we haven't really had choice as such -- if the schools are full for that year group, there's not much you can do apart from go on the waiting list.

Depends how many schools there are that you could reasonably apply to, and how likely they are to have places. I'd phone the schools directly and ask if they have places in the year groups that you're interested in.

There are 3 schools in the local area which would all be great, unfortunately I think they are all fully subscribed Is it really possible that I would end up having to tramp across the city every day to drop kids off?

One of the reasons I am considering moving is to be closer to work, and that would completely scupper that idea. (currently takes me 55 mins to get to/from school/work)

Well, if there are no places, I don't see that you have any alternative. Talk to the schools, ask if they have any places atm, or if they envisage any becoming available in September. Logically you'd expect a 2-form entry school to be more likely to get a space than a one-form entry one.

We are moving soon and have just been through this. Contact the LEA and ask which schools currently have spaces in the relevant year groups. Contact those schools as well as those that you may prefer which the LEA states are full. They may tell you of any waiting lists. Visit the schools. I found the people at the LEA brilliant and DS has been given a place at our first choice despite it being just outside (on the boundary) of the catchment and having four applications for each place. We are now waiting to hear if DD2 will get a place there as they cannot give her it until after half-term although there is currently a place! Good luck.

Hi yoyo! What's your masterplan? DD1 is completely loving secondary school, we've now got to pull off similar for ds and dd2.

Hi Frogs! How was the house move? It sounds lovely (dropped in on the moving house thread to pick up a few tips)!

We don't really have a masterplan. DS has his place which we are delighted with and if DD2 doesn't get a place we will appeal. Trying not to think beyond that point! DD1 is going to a Prep school as we couldn't face the lottery of secondaries having missed the deadlines. It was impossible to visit primaries and secondaries at such a distance. We are very pleased with the Prep though and DD1 can't wait to start.

Really pleased to hear that your DD1 is enjoying it - is she being challenged at last? DD1 is having an excellent year - her teacher has been very supportive although said that she is finding it difficult to find literacy to stretch her now. Just the SATS to get through..

Where are you moving to, yoyo? Presumably congrats to your dh on getting a new job! So dd1 is going into a prep that goes up to 13? Seems like a neat way of postponing the secondary transfer agony.

Yes, dd1 is being challenged -- her school have a very tightly organised system of rewards for good work, and it was great watching dd1 up her game in response to her desire for reward sticker and postcards and the like. We;re very very happy, and now just need to get ds and dd2 sorted out...

The house is great in principle, but slightly nightmarish in practicalities atm, with no proper bathroom, heating, plumbing or electrics. So our first move is to get that all dealt with. Fun. Not, but hopefully will be quite satisfying.