Seeking advice for school place appeal (for oversubscribed primary school)

[SweetPinkPeas]

Hello everyone

I’m looking for some guidance on appealing for a school place at an oversubscribed primary school for my son. I’d really appreciate any helpful advice or experiences you can share. Sorry it's quite a long read but I hope this thread is helpful to future parents who search the same topic in the future.

Here’s a bit about our current circumstances... I recently moved to a new area (within the same home county) with my son, who is in Year 3. Unfortunately, the nearest primary school, which is a 25 min walk, is oversubscribed. Despite applying, we received a refusal letter, and he’s now on a very long waiting list, in position 30, making it unlikely he’ll be offered a place.

I managed to find a school independently over three miles away that offers the wrap-around care hours I need for my London commute (the oversubscribed school also offer the wrap-around care hours I need). I drive him to school each day.

I had to turn down the alternative school place offered by the council because their wrap-around care hours aren't sufficient for my work schedule.

I’m a single parent and don’t receive any childcare assistance from my son’s father as he lives too far away. My job in the TV industry requires early starts and late finishes on an ad-hoc basis, meaning I rely heavily on my mother to help with childcare. My mother is 74, doesn’t drive, and lives two hours away by train. The journey to the current school involves two buses (a hour each way total journey) which isn't ideal. I rely on her help when I have long days at work.

Changing my career isn’t an option sadly. I’m looking for constructive advice on how to approach the appeal, and advice on I even stand a chance of winning, and would be grateful for any tips or experiences others have had with similar situations.

Thank you so much for reading.

An appeal cannot be decided upon your childcare logistics or the nature of your job making the school more convenient for your TV job and train journey.

From what I’ve read previously, and going by friends experience in appealing - you have 0 chance with wrap around care being your reason I’m afraid.

successful appeals tend to be based on what the educational aspect of that particular school or what holistic offering it has that means your child has to go there over anyone or anywhere else.

your childcare needs won’t be considered as a reason as difficult and as important as they are.

have you explored child minders, nanny’s, au pairs, lift shares, requesting flexible working etc?

The 29 families above you are likely to have exactly those kind of reasons too- sorry. It's not good for there to be overly full classrooms, it's not fair on the children already there. You can try with this appeal but you have little to no chance of success.

Yes sorry @SweetPinkPeas I'm afraid the appeal will not consider the wraparound care aspect of your child’s schooling. Are there other factors that might be in your favour? Things the appealed-for school offers (not childcare) that the other schools do not?

The good news is that as it’s year 3 it’s not infant class size (max of 30 in a class) which is very hard to win. But all I can think of for junior age is things like sports teams or school orchestra or French lessons offered and you have evidence of his interest and commitment to these. It’s a tough call tho.

I agree with a PP, could you not look into other possible childcare such as childminders local to the current school?

Not trying to have a go but why did you move there if school places were such a problem? I always chose where to live based on schools for the kids to the point where the actual house was almost second to the school availability. Can you move again?

Thank you for your responses, I am totally new to the appeals process hence me reaching out to those who may have more knowledge and experience. Appreciate your advice @clary @Catsonskis as this would certainly be an option. Shame school don’t consider parents childcare situations but I totally get it.

@Holdonforsummer I moved here so we would be in catchment for an outstanding secondary school, and as we don’t know anyone yet it gives my son time to settle and make new friends before that big transition :)

Schools don’t take into account the childcare needs of the parents, because their priority is the efficient and effective education of the children in their care.

You were offered a school place by the local authority, which you declined because it didn’t meet your needs. Unfortunately for you, the authority has now discharged its obligation to you and does not have to offer an alternative.

I think @Catsonskis suggestions are your best bet.

I'd recommend your best answer is to get a childminder or nanny who picks up and drops off at the school. If you've got money for wrap around, a wrap-around childminder wouldn't be massively different in cost.

As this is a Y3 appeal, infant class size rules do not apply which makes it a little easier to win. However, as others have said, arguments around childcare, transport, etc. do not win appeals. To win, you need to show that the disadvantage to your son from not being admitted outweighs any problems the school will face from having to cope with an additional pupil. To do this, you need to identify things this school offers that are particularly relevant to your son and are not available at his current school. For example, if your son is musically gifted and the school you want offers a lot of extracurricular musical activities, that would be a point in your favour.

Thanks for your messages all. I will most certainly explore other childcare options.

@prh47bridge Thank you for taking the time to respond with this informative advice. I hope this thread helps other parents.