School appeal

[SJL2311]

I wonder if anyone can help. After withdrawing my school place appeal would I still be eligible to appeal again in the same year ie. since I didn't actually have a hearing. I know it sounds slightly odd but I withdrew my appeal as I suspected maladministration by the LA but did not have enough evidence at the time. My suspicians are now greatly increased and I am working on finding out more. I therefore need to know if I can still appeal this year?

As you didn't actually have an appeal you are still entitled to one.

In what way do you suspect maladministration?

Many thanks for replying.
A family that are in the same situation as us ie. out of catchment for an overscribed school who have an older child in the school already suddenly got a place (not in the first round of offers but in the second). Bearing in mind 12 "in catchment" families failed to secure a place. The LA told me that only SEN and looked after children out of catchment were admitted. However I know neither of these reasons apply to the family and if they did they would have been offered a place in the first round. No where in the statistics for the Reception class did it state that any "looked after" children had been admitted. Not until I appealed then suddenly they produce stats to show "1" looked after child. Of course it is possible that it is all above board and if that's the case then I will go away quite happily. But things just do not add up and, even if it means that my child does not end up with a place (which I suspect will be the case), I want to have my say! Sorry if it sounds "bitter and twisted" but sometimes the authorities drive you to distraction and if there are rules then they need to be applied fairly. If, as I suspect, it is a case of "who you know rather than what you know" then I want it out in the open!

Without knowing more details (admission criteria, etc.) I can't comment on whether or not there has been a mistake here. I would be very surprised if it is about "who you know". LA's know the rules and know that they don't have any option to mess around with them. I have known faith schools try to bend the rules but have never yet come across an LA trying to let someone in because of who they know. But mistakes do sometimes happen.

Having said that, the chair of the panel may well stop you from having your say on this subject as it is not relevant. It is only relevant if this family got a place that should have gone to your child. If this child was incorrectly admitted the only thing that would have any effect would be an appeal from the parents of the child who should have been admitted.

Is it possible the child got a statement between the first and second rounds?

Also, how would you know about Sen?