Reception place turnover, what do you reckon?

[TerrysNo2]

We've just moved to Buckinghamshire from Surrey. Before we moved we were number 5/6 on the waiting list based on our old address, we are now 0.18 miles from the new school and although the CC haven't told me where we are on the waiting list I assume we're very near the top.

So, crystal ball gazers.... what do you think are our chances of getting a space in our preferred school. It's a 90 form intake and currently full. The nearest school is 6 miles away and they won't provide DS with transport until January so we couldn't get him to that school.

I know it's different everywhere but I'm just curious about turnover this late before school starts or even once school starts and hearing what anyone knows. So far the CC won't tell me anything.

thanks!

Where we are there are always a couple of reception children who don't show but the school have to keep their place open for most of the first half term in case they come eventually. Then a couple of places usually become free and new kids from the waiting list can join at half term. Moving closer should bump you up the list as here at least proximity is one of the keys but I don't know if it is the same everywhere. I'd call the council and ask since nobody else can tell really.

Why won't they provide transport until Jan?

they said they are not legally obliged to provide transport until legal school age, the term after they are 5.

Oooh, Terry I'm not convinced on that one.... I bet that's worth arguing about!!

I might do except I don't really want him to go to a school 5 miles away

No I don't blame you. Seems there's a few of us having these problems. :(

Fair bit of movement here, although it seems to happen largely just before term starts.

You would of course need to be number 1 on the waiting list. The problem would be likely to be siblings since you now live so close. I reckon you'll get a place eventually with a 90 intake...

The rules changed regarding school age with an obligation to provide a place for all children in that school year from September, I would imagine that this extends to transport.

It depends on the area I think. Some areas have higher turnovers than others so it is very difficult to speculate without knowing more about the school/area.

It also depends where you are on the waiting list and who is above you. Sometimes parents will decide they no longer want a place at a school once term has started and DCs are settled elsewhere. This happens less if there are lots of siblings on the waiting list as those parents are more invested in getting a place there. For our first choice school, I know we are 3 on the list. But there are 2 siblings above us and the school has a low turnover. I'm not banking on DD getting a place there and have made alternative arrangements.

Also, I'm pretty sure the LA have to provide you with transport even if he is not 5 yet. Don't let them fob you off.

All the luck of the draw really - in my experience you tend to get some movement in reception year, but at my school there are lots of families in rented housing so they do tend to be more mobile. With 3 form entry I'd reckon you have a fair chance.

IIRC, your child is entitled to 195 days of schooling a year - you can choose to delay, but the LA can't make you. Hence they should also facilitate transport.

My Ds was first on waiting list for 3 class entry school, got offered a place in May. Declined it as he and us preferred the school he had been attending since start of year!
Agree you should challenge the transport issue

Where we are (Berks) and from my past experience a few families leave to move abroad so there are a few places every now and again so I'd say it was hopeful. We are 60 intake, so 90 even better.

kilmur were you on the waiting list at number 1 for 9 months then?

I've seen that transport issue before, I'm fairly sure that's standard, so don't think you'll get anywhere challenging it.

If you're up to number 1, then I'd think you have a good chance in getting in. But it won't be for the start of term. There often are 1-2 non-shows. BUT the school cannot offer them until they have confirmation that they're non-shows, which could easily be a couple of weeks.

In 60 intake at infants I would say usually no 1 gets in by October half term, not many after that, it's a low turn over area, even when you take into account that there are army people around.
Junior intake is double that and I would say that 2-3 in the first term come in, but I know someone who was 8th on the list for dd2's year and still hasn't got in (going into year 5), as people do join above you on the waiting list too.

Yes we were waiting 9 months, but by then he was settled in smaller school, so left him there. In fact we have moved his sister to join him

kilmuir where are you? is it somewhere with lots of schools or just one? I cannot get bucks to tell me where we are on the waiting list but as the catchment went out to 0.75 miles and we are 0.18 away I am assuming we're number 1. I am going to try and meet the head next week to find out whether they will actively pursue no shows. There is a big RAF base near us but I think that could work for our against us.

keeping my fingers crossed!!

In DD's class, the first person was admitted from the waiting list in Year 3 (60 intake, leafy town).

On the other hand, my old school was quite used to admitting 5 new children who turned up on the school doorstep that morning....

I wouldn't want to pin a plan on no-shows.

(Equally, in DD's school in recent years, 0.18 miles away wouldn't get you a place on first allocation in some years, let alone top of the waiting list as a late arrival, so schools and situations are different)

Iirc the transport rules are that a child has to be compulsory school age to qualify ( be eligible)

woo hoo, just found out we got a place!!!

Whoohooooo!