Bucks cc in year move

[gingerscott]

Hi everyone. I'm totally new to mumsnet but have been advised you all have amazing knowledge about schools and stuff!

I'm needing to move my daughter to a different school quite swiftly for a number of reasons.
The cc have recently changed the way they do things requiring you to get a signed form from the current school then apply for up to three places at schools, they also supply a list of schools with places which is updated every two weeks.

From that list my options are very limited, two schools a fair distance from our home and wrong direction for work (20min drive one way, possibly more in rush hour).

I've also read that from year 3-6 class sizes can exceed 30 and maximum is 32, does anyone know how I can access that 31st (or 32nd) space?

Thanks

Bucks CC cannot insist that you get the form signed by the current school. If they attempt to do so tell them that you will refer the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman. Of course, if the current school is willing to sign the form that won't be a problem.

There is no maximum size for years 3-6. However, schools will not automatically admit additional pupils. If you want to get in this way you will need to apply to a school then appeal when your daughter doesn't get a place.

Glad youve found the right place and prh47bridge has seen your thread.

The in year guidance specifically says that though and they are quite heavy I'm that incomplete applications will delay things. Do u know what guidance its in breach of please?

Can I ask prh47bridge are appeals along the same line as reception admissions or are the reasons for appeal wider?

If I can remember correctly from my dc's appeals (thanks pr47, you were a fab help!) you need to demonstrate that not admitting your dc will cause more prejudice than admitting.

So in an appeal the school would say we cannot admit gingerminor because we already have 30 pupils in that class, there is no room in the class room, the extra making/planning is an unfair burden on the teacher etc. You would then sit with your list of reasons- gingerminor would benefit from the new school because they are bring bullied/moved house/preferred school has outstanding music dept for your genius child and so on. Bit tongue in cheek, so please don't take offence. The panel then decide which would cause greater prejudice, the school to admit, or to your child by not admitting. It's daunting. My two appeals were bucks cc as well, which area are you in ?

I asked them why they required the HT to sign, and Bucks said it was just so they knew you'd spoken to the HT about it.

My HT signed, even though he was unhappy about my DC moving. So I think it's worth asking your HT to sign, and if he for some reason refuses just send the form in unsigned.

My DS also started at the new school before Bucks had done anything. Before Bucks had even received the form. We looked round the school and agreed he could start on Mon.

If you need to move urgently, I think you need to find a school with places and move. Not try to appeal for places that don't exist etc. That won't be a quick way to move.

Thanks everyone. It's good to know I have options. I've seen a school with a place this morning, outstanding ofstead and good reputation, the location (it being very far out) and lack of before of after school childcare is making me hesitant. I don't know if a new childminder would push her over the edge, I feel with all the changes an after school club may be an easier move for her.
I've another school visit, one with a place, lined up today. Will review things this evening especially with the new knowledge from you lovely people

Do u know what guidance its in breach of please

The Admissions Code states that "Any parent can apply for a place for their child at any time to any school outside the normal admissions round" (paragraph 2.21). Making applications dependent on getting a signature from the child's current school is clearly in breach of that as it allows the school to delay or even prevent the move. It also fails to cater for those parents who do not want to tell the current school of their plans.

Can I ask prh47bridge are appeals along the same line as reception admissions or are the reasons for appeal wider

Once you get to Y3 there is no limit on class size and the rules for appeals are different. It becomes what is known as an ordinary prejudice appeal. You can still win by showing that a mistake has been made but you can also win by showing that the disadvantage (prejudice) to your child through not being admitted outweighs the disadvantage to the school of having to cope with an additional pupil.

thanks pr47, you were a fab help

You are very welcome.

I'm south Bucks. I've looked at both schools today. One totally outshone the other and I'd be happy with her going there (from what I've seen), my only gripe is the distance. They seamed very supportive of their children.
I'm awaiting to hear if the two before and after school clubs have space.
Rough plan is to see the head tomorrow and get the form then take dd to the school Monday so she can see it and I can meet the head and hopefully class teacher then make the move.
Anything I've missed or any key info I should have asked the school but forgot?

Oh my goodness!! Her current school is so useless!

I have spoken to county twice and I can ONLY get the form from the school, the head and her two deputies initially would not agree to see me today, I left a message with the admin staff stating the urgency and nature of my request for a meeting and if it could not be accommodated then could they please supply me with the form unsigned. I had a call back from one of the deputies, who informed me one of her responsibilities was admissions, however she is totally unaware of the form stating I just have to write formally to the school to inform them I am removing my daughter, I explained the current procedure however she claims there are no form and it will be dealt with on Monday. I did nicely suggest they contact county if she was not aware but she continued to say it'd be Monday they perused it.

I spoke to county again and there is no other way I can get the form, it must be issued by the school.

This is so frustrating. The school have just called again saying both deputies are now teaching, the head is off site for the majority of the afternoon, there are no administrator staff today and a ta is covering the phones and has no idea how to access the form and the school will persu it tomorrow.

I have explained to county the urgency however they will not issue me a form.

Anyone any ideas how I can move this forward?

Speak to the county again. Tell them that if they refuse to issue the form you will immediately refer the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman for a clear breach of the Admissions Code. You have the absolute right to apply for any school at any time. The county and the school are denying you this right.

It seems bizarre that Bucks don't have the form on their web site so you can download it. There is guidance on their web site regarding how to fill it in but I cannot see where the existing school comes into this because the information required is about you and your child.

However, I suggest you approach the new school for the form if the current one are playing stupid games. Also, Bucks say it takes 20 days to process the application! I would talk to the new school about a start date and agree a way forward with them. If the school has spaces and no waiting list for that year group, how hard can it be?