Another appeals rant/query

[Grantaire]

We are in the middle of appealing against our DS not being admitted to our first choice of schools. It's an ICS appeal.

We were told that the appeal would likely be July 1st. We've found out today that they are doing it on July 20th because they can't get a panel together in time for the original date.

July 20th is the last day of term. Which means that regardless of outcome, DS will absolutely miss out on any chance for settling in days, meeting a teacher, visiting a school. I mean, what the heck happens if we fail (likely given the stats)? How do we sort out alternative arrangements when everything shuts down locally on the day of the appeal.

Also, the deadline for submitting notice of appeal was May 16th. I thought the appeals code necessitates that appeals be heard within 40 school days of this. I think, using rudimentary maths, they are not fulfilling this.

This is SO stressful. Another month and in the middle of all this is a 4 year old boy who I want to prepare for school. I have NO idea what's going to happen and won't have until after the end of this term.

And there's nothing I can do.

I know how high the bar is. It's the legal definition of unreasonable.

Of course our grounds aren't "he just has to".

There is no plan I can come up with. I can only appeal and I am.

There are several siblings who didn't get in and the waiting list never moves.

What's wrong with the school? Have you been to look round or are you going solely on its reputation?

I hope the appeal goes well

Some schools have changed the sibling rule because people were renting at extortionate prices on the doorsteps of schools for their first children and then moving miles away to cheaper properties, making it impossible for local children to get in.

Starlight, what grounds? I deliberately haven't stated my grounds.

Eldest is currently in y4.

The allocated school I mean x

Is your eldest in year 6?

Nothing to do with reputation. I know the school v well.

Sorry but after going through the trauma of two secondary school appeals with substantial medical evidence and a watertight case, we still lost- twice.
It took a year of my life and almost my sanity :(

Unless there has really really been a mistake or the decision is radically unreasonable then I can't see you winning. Another teacher would have to be employed to take the class over 30.

Are your reasons compelling?
Appeals can consume you.
Please look at other schools, I had to do this myself as was not in the position to home educate and ds needs social interaction as has aspergers.

I wish you the very best of luck op.

Bugger NC fail.

I've answered the school year question.

OP

How long are you prepared to home Ed for?

Are there any suitable schools that have a space for both kids (dd easier to get in as post ICS)

This thread is very frustrating. There is vital stuff missing.

WHY is this school the only school in travelling distance that you'd ever consider your child for, to the possible the detriment of your career?

We have compelling reasons.

They would not have to employ another teacher. They're two above PAN in reception and y1 without taking qualifying measures.

MissRabbit, I've seen your appeals posts before and we've chatted! It is massively frustrating and making me ill.

Do you think the LA made a mistake and didn't allocate him to the right category or was it simply that the school filled up with children higher up the admissions criteria than your DS?

If the allocated school is unacceptable, are there others locally that would be better? Have you got your DS on the waiting lists for all of these? You need a Plan B as you don't sound like you really want to give up work.

Could you explain why your allocated school is not an option?

Starlight, what do you want to know?

I've had other threads about the appeal process and my reasons.

This thread is about the appeal being on the last day of term and the consequent problems this causes.

Sorry it's frustrating but I'm genuinely unable to give more detail about my personal circumstances. We have a mutual friend who could explain if you really wanted to know!

Is there another local school with places available for both children?

If I were you I would start thinking about a back up plan that isn't giving up work.

Clearly the op wishes to name change to give more information which is fair enough, plus it will help us to help her if we have more information.
Anyone can say they have good reasons but op may have reasons that will actually make a difference.

I'm hoping that's the case because if there are several other dc with siblings that didn't get a place, what makes this particular case different?

That's the route the op will need to go down.
Clearly I'm no expert but have lived and breathed appeals since may 2014 and have read everything I can get my hands on, I would never wish to go through the process again:(

Op

It is a pain that DS will miss out if you win and I can see it's upsetting. But he is a little familiar with the school via dd and I am sure that others miss the dates for sickness etc and the school can give them an extra eye during the first few days.

It's probably more about your options if you lose at this staff as that may be more likely with ICS

I think the date of the appeal is very annoying but it's not really the problem. From the information you have shared it does not seem that you have grounds for appeal therefore the question of alternative schools is much more relevant than the date of appeal.

We do?

I suppose that the reasons for appeal are relevant, because it is possible that WHEN the appeal is, makes no difference to how you need to be preparing if it's got no chance of succeeding.

It's an annoying date for sure, but I'm perhaps desensitised to that because in the world of SEN where I usually reside children often aren't given their Secondary School placement until the beginning of September, and these are kids who often need months of transition preparation.

Shit education services is kind of what I'm used to.

Oh it's so hard to explain. Imagine the scenario above somebody mentioned with witness protection. I couldn't give you details in that situation. My situation is similar. I honestly can't talk about it. Or I'd have to kill you delete the thread.

Oh, well do you then have medical/social evidence that demonstrates your child 'needs' to know which school in order to take part in the transition events!?

Sorry to hear what you're going through. Can you clarify what the problem is with the allocated school?
As your DC is only four, it's not the end of the world for him to attend for a few months or even a year.
Having been through the whole primary experience I can tell you a lot changes through the years so you shouldn't fret especially as you are high on the waiting list.
I remember being at number 6 on the waiting list and eventually getting in to chosen school..

OP- so, is it that the school you've been allocated presents a risk and is therefore not an option?

They can't do the appeal till July 20th. I think that's that.

Waiting lists don't move here. I've had a dd there for 5 years now. There's next to no movement.