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Original poster

School appeal for ds

19 replies

prudencepinkleg · 30/11/2007 13:25

I've posted a bit about this elsewhere but just wondering if any more advice out there on appeals. dh and I just come back from appeal for village school for ds2. They have 15 children in reception which is their allocated no. hence why we had to go through an appeal. Even when at a maximum with half of year 1 they only have 23 though. It's a long story as to why we are appealing for a place at village school now but in short is due to ds being excluded from an independent school due to behaviour (he has an attachment/separation/communication issue and is NOT just a naughty boy but of course independent schools can pick and choose!). I am beside myself with worry because if we don't win I don't know what we'll do with him. How likely are they to turn us down? We are half a minute walk (if that) away from the school.

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Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 30/11/2007 13:44

Anyone any ideas?

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car25 · 30/11/2007 13:52

Sorry no bright ideas, but have you read Ben Rooney's book called How to Win Your School Appeal? It is available from the library.

Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 30/11/2007 15:20

No I didn't see that. The appeal was rushed through. I think we did our best so all we can do now is sit tight. Very nerve wracking though.

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camicazi · 30/11/2007 16:14

Was wondering how you got on at the appeal as read your other thread! How did you feel the appeal went? When will they let you know? It sounds like you've done your very best. I think each appeal is very different, so it's pretty difficult to predict the outcome, but it all depends how strong the school's case was versus the needs of your son; do you think they put up much of a fight??

Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 30/11/2007 20:03

We don't know the outcome yet. I felt shattered afterwards as I felt it was quite an intimidating experience. I'm not sure how we did really; the school did make some valid points but I felt our case was quite strong too. All we can do is sit tight now and wait till the post comes in the next couple of days. I was hoping for a phone call but nothing happened!

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Orinoco · 30/11/2007 20:14

Message withdrawn

Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 30/11/2007 20:57

Thank you Orinoco. That sounds hopeful then.

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Orinoco · 30/11/2007 21:22

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Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 01/12/2007 18:59

We found out today - the appeal wasn't successful. I am shattered mainly because it is another rejection for ds who we just want to be settled and happy. So we are now back at square 1 and what is even more difficult is that we have to sit tight now till Monday which seems like an eternity!

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Orinoco · 01/12/2007 20:51

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camicazi · 01/12/2007 22:06

Oh no! I'm so sorry, that's really bloody crap and seems horribly unfair. And yes, typical that it should happen at the weekend.

Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 02/12/2007 14:56

I'm feeling a bit better about it all today but I agree that is really unfair . I think that we are now going to go for the school in the next village which is very small - only about 40 children and ds knows 2 of them in Reception. I think they have a space but not 100% sure so will phone first thing tomorrow. At least ds is pretty much oblivious to the whole thing

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NKF · 02/12/2007 15:09

Did they turn down appeal on numbers? I guess that's how the legal capping works. Good luck with the new school.

Orinoco · 04/12/2007 20:45

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Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 05/12/2007 20:48

Yes I think they turned us down on numbers but I don't think the fact that ds has some special needs helped either. But we have got him a place at the small school in the next door village and I do think it will suit him really well. The head is lovely and seems keen to help. I think it has probably worked out for the best. ds needs a break so hope this is it.

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camicazi · 05/12/2007 20:57

Great news! Can he start straight away? I know how awful it is when you can't sort schools out for your dc -- it made me feel powerless and like I'd messed everything up for my kids when it happened to us. You've dealt with this brilliantly. The local school sounds pretty pathetic if they couldn't take your son on because of SN (and probably doing something totally illegal). Hope your ds has a great first day at his new school!!

Orinoco · 05/12/2007 21:16

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Hallgerda · 05/12/2007 21:30

I'm glad to hear you've found a school for your DS. I hope it works out well

Original poster
prudencepinkleg · 06/12/2007 11:27

Thank you so much for all your kind words. I have had a meeting with the school this morning and they seem really supportive. They would prefer him to start next term though as the next two weeks are a bit out of the ordinary with all the Christmas activities. I'm quite happy about that as ds1 finishes term tomorrow and I think ds2 would feel a bit put out if he had to go to school next week!! I am hoping though that he can maybe go in for an hour or so a few times this term with his childminder (used to be an LSA) just to give him a taster.

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