Ds2 offered place in reception but no place for ds1 in year 2. Need advice please

[TheCottage]

We are moving in a few weeks and the local primary are able to offer ds2 a place in reception but there are no places in year 2 for ds1. He will be top of the waiting list though. What shall I do? They both have a school place where we live now but it is an hours drive away from where we're moving to. The school we're going to is an excellent one so I really don't want to scupper our chances. Should I put in ds2 and home tutor ds1 till a place comes up? Try another school for ds1 (don't like this option though as will have to be in two places at one time). Any thoughts or ideas would be really appreciated.
Thanks

I'd put DS2 in, and try to find another school locally with a place for DS1 (ideally one with a breakfast club) until something comes up at your school of choice. Driving for an hour each way will exhaust you (although I know some people do).

I would have tought the latest you will get a place is likely to be Sept as when they move up to Year 3 the class size can go above 30

It's a tricky one, because I suspect most movement happens over the Summer period - Snice is right, you are only looking up to July to home Ed him, ready to go back in Sept.

Have you spoken to the school (off the record)? They might be able to tell you if they have heard of anyone moving unofficially. It might give you some idea of timescales.

I think if I were in your position I'd send DS2 and home ed DS1 because of the longer term benefits. It also gives you an opportunity to become involved in the school and for DS1 to become familiar with it.

Have the LEA offered you another local school?

I had to place 4 in June last year, and it was touch and go - but we got lucky when someone left in half-term. It can happen.

Good luck.

You have the right to appeal for a place for ds1. If it is an infant class size appeal (which it probably would be in Y2) your chances of success are minimal. However, there is no harm in trying as long as you are realistic about your chances of success.

You can appeal again (or for the first time) in September. You will stand a better chance of success then as infant class size regulations will no longer apply.

The LA should have offered a place at another school. If they have not done so you should chase them to sort this out.

As you are top of the waiting list there is a decent chance ds1 will get a place soon even if appeals fail.

Thank you for all your messages and support. I think I will send ds2 and either home Ed or see if another school comes up locally for ds1. It's interesting to know about the infant size regs in yr3.

Keep in touch with the LEA and make sure they know what you are doing, try to build a rapport with them. I was surprised to learn at one of my meetings with our LEA that there could be, in some cases, a degree of discretion.

I will do. Thanks so much for the advice.

Just to correct myself slightly, on reading your OP properly I see you haven't actually moved yet. The LA won't allocate a place for ds1 until you have actually moved or at least exchanged contracts. Find out what evidence they need of your move. When you supply that they should offer you a place for ds1 somewhere.