Advice re our appeal this week

[krisskross]

We have an appeal this thursday. In a nutshell our son has a medical condition- physio and paediatrician have advised regular low impact exercise to strengthen his muscles to help prevent dislocation and pain- exercise such as walking and cycling to school . we did not submit this as did not realise we could. Now we have appealed and submitted doctors letter to say he needs this and that if we have to drive to school everyday he is more likely to suffer in future.

can i ask- i know its extremley unlikely as its an ICS appeal- but can we argue that not to let him in as they have this info would be perverse? Or can this only be argued if they had the info at the time of the appeal?

Our other point for them is that at preferred school we have strong network of friends and neighbours who can help in the event of accident if we are at work- (he is at risk of dislocation).

Manny thanks for your advice and help.

Does the paediatrician's letter specifically list your preferred school as being necessary, or was he talking in general terms?

Re: the other issue, I'm sure one of the admissions experts will be along shortly, but I was under the impression that you could only win an ICS appeal if you could prove an error has been made. In your case, the LA hasn't made an error, as they weren't made aware of the medical issue on the initial application. Whether or not it's so unreasonable not to admit as to be perverse is key. And that may well depend on what I said before: has the doctor specifically named the school you want?

For the Social and Medical category you do need to prove that only the particular school that you are appealing for can meet your child's needs. It could be argued that you could drive part way and then exercise by walking a short distance to school. The allocated school may be able to meet this need by suitable exercise at break-time, for example.

thanks everyone. its as i thought from what you all say but worth a try.....