Do we have any basis for ICS appeal??

[TerrysNo2]

We've just moved to a new area. Our nearest school is full (0.18m away, this years catchment is to 0.75m) and we have been allocated a school 5 miles away. The LA won't provide transport for DS until the term after he turns 5 (January).

DH and I both work and we only have 1 car so getting DS to/from school, or even to/from a child minder near the school would be logistically impossible.

I have the appeals form which the CC sent me, a lady in the office suggested we appeal but I do not know what grounds to base it on.

Can anyone help?

thanks!

You should appeal for all your preferred schools on the basis that the LA has been unreasonable in refusing to allocate a place at a school nearer home. There are no guarantees but it is possible one of the appeal panels will agree.

You also have the option of deferring entry until January and sending him to a local nursery.

I would also add that you should include in your argument that the LA will not provide transport even though it is 5 miles away until after your child is 5. That makes it more unreasonable that the LA expect your child to go to a school 5 miles away but then put a big barrier in your way by not being prepared to fund transport.
You should appeal for every school that is within what you consider reasonable commute distance so that you maximise your chances of getting a place at one school.
It is also worth making sure that you are on the waiting list for each of the schools you appeal for. I would contact both the LA and the individual schools over being on the waiting list as the process for in-year admissions changes on 1st September, reverting back to the school rather than the LA. There is bound to be a bit of confusion so better to be sure by contacting both. Also by talking to the school on the first day back, if by any chance somebody has declined a place over the summer break (which happens) you are the one who will be there ready to take the place if offered.

thanks both, I have submitted the appeal.

fingers crossed!

thanks for your advice but we don't need to appeal now as he got a place

Wonderful news

Excellent news!