how does waiting list movement happen?

[CocoPlum]

Obviously I know the basics - you're on the list in admission criteria order (last week DS was #2 on list having moved down from #1 over the summer). How does it actually work now term has started? If someone doesn't turn up today at a school for their first session, does the school start by ringing them, how does it all work in practice?

Am trying to keep.positive - there's been a lot of movement in this school's reception class over at least the last 2 years - but am just wondering what starts happening now.

[steppemum]

if someone doesn't turn up, school will contact them. BUT if they have no firm proof that they are not taking the place, then they cannot deregister them for 6 weeks.
Firm proof means that the child is registered at another school, easier to assess if within the same borough/council, much harder if they have moved area. Or confirmation from parents that they will Home Ed.

It is possible that there will be children who have accepted the place but don't turn up at the beginning of the year. they are allowed to hold the place until the child's 5 th birthday.

If someone leaves and moves away, the same applies, they need proof or they have to wait before de-registering.

Once the place is confirmed empty, the school notifies the council and they phone the person at no. 1 and offer the place. If you know a place is coming up/available you can phone the council and this may speed up the process.

The school may be happy for you to come in straight away, or may wait for paper work, which can be a week or so.