How long to hear date of appeal? (Somerset)

[BayeauxT]

Hi, we are moving to a new house in 3 weeks, in village about 10 miles from where we live. Exchanged last week and sent appeal letter to LEA as the local school is 'full' (DD moving into Yr1 but classes not yet at 30 which I understand is the max level?)

I rang them today and they hadn't received it - lost in the system??? (Seriously, I posted something to a council client once and they only got it a month later - lost in the system!) So I am posting it again tomorrow - signed for delivery if that will help?

Only - how long does it take for them to come back with a date for the appeal, as we are away on holiday from mid-August for 10 days, which doesn't leave a lot of time for sorting this out!

Oh, and away now for the weekend so apologies if I don't reply! Will check when we get back!

Thanks
BayeauxT

The LA has to hold the appeal within 30 school days of receiving your letter. That may mean it won't now happen until September although some LAs do hold appeals during August.

The school can be full without having classes of 30. Class sizes in infants (Reception, Y1 and Y2) are limited to 30 but a small school may not be able to cope with that many children. However, the good news is that the fact they are below 30 improves your chances at appeal. If they were at 30 you would have to prove that the LA had made a mistake - very unlikely in your situation.

Most LAs do not hold appeals during the summer holiday for the simple reason that they can't get all the info they need for the appeal as the school staff are not available.

The time period is 30 school days so the appeal could actually not be till the end of September.

In theory you will need to continue educating your son which means that they should be attending the same school in September they are attending now unless you have formally withdrawn them from the school.