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.

Yes Clarins. A real risk.

Are there cancellations you can jump on?

Can the school be understanding and allow transitioning on the chance you'd win?

If I remember correctly, from slip up username, weren't you the OP who has been told to get child care organized by multiple posters???

Irvine, bit unfair!

Ok. It doesn't sound like there is anything that can be done about the date which is frustrating, prolongs the agony and means Ds will miss transition. However, as others have said, all of that is soon overcome once they start school.

The positive you can take is that it gives you longer to prepare your case. I realise that you have already submitted your appeal but you can still make sure that you take good advice and make sure that you have a strong case (using their criteria) and that you are as prepared as possible.

I really hope that you get a positive outcome.

What? Childcare has nothing to do with it.

Thanks Clarins

Sorry!

Problem is that you're not appealing against the allocated school, you're appealing for the preferred school and that's where I went wrong on first appeal.
However, due to op's circumstances this may away the panel if there is a protection issue for example.
The panel could argue that there are other suitable schools that ds could attend.
Though from what I'm gathering from op, she has a strong case that does differentiate her appeal from others if any.
Op I get it, appeals can make you so ill, I ended up on anti depressants and diazepam and am still on them now, I sent my ds to a school that I would never had considered but he's so happy there and doing well but I appreciate we have/had completely different issues.
Please speak to your G.P, even for support. Mine was amazing and still is.

Apology not necessary.

Nor is childcare. Not when I open my clown school.

Grant I can't help but am wishing you all the very best, my dear

I was thinking the same missrabbit, i.e. That the appeal must be based on positive reasons for the school rather than against the allocated school. But presumably there must be exceptions to this when safeguarding comes into play.

This is sort of what I was meaning about being prepared.

My dd started primary school not knowing anyone at all when everyone else had done six transition sessions. She's not particularly confident or outgoing but she was absolutely fine and it didn't seem to make any difference at all.

Of course, she didn't know she'd missed anything. As far as she was concerned it was the first day of school and that was that. We didn't even know the name of her teacher when she started.

MissRabbit, you're lovely. And I'm so sorry you've had it so rough. It's a lonely and distressing process. I am trying to stay well but the anxiety and nightmares are getting more frequent.

I've appealed for the school. I've explained why it's the only reasonable and safe option. I have legislation on my side. And precedent. I make mention of why the allocated school is not an option but as an aside to why our first preference is the only choice.

Our grounds are good. The chances of success are bad. Just because they always are when it's ICS.

Thanks Donkey you thoroughly lovely chap you.

Savoy, that cheers me immensely. And well done too. You would have had the major hand in settling her so well.

DD would have been the same. DS is an anxious wee dot. It's already playing on his mind a bit. His friends all know and talk about school plans. DS feels a bit worried. He'll be fine. I'll make it so. It's just not ideal.

I remember your original thread and why you can't go to the allocated school.

Is there any way you can appeal against the date of the appeal? I know it's probably academic but at least you can get on with things

OP, are DD's school aware of the issues around the risk?
We were in a similar situation (no risk, but should definitely have got a place). I went in to the school my DD didn't get a place at, and explained my grounds for appeal.
I was very confident of winning (thanks to the sound advice I was given by knowledgeable and generous posters on here), as there was clearly an admin error.
The school staff suggested we attend the information sessions/tour of the school, that were taking place before the end of term.
The actual settling in sessions didn't happen until September, and neither did the teacher/TA home visit. If this is the case with your 1st choice school, then your DS won't miss out on the settling in sessions, anyway.

Good luck with it all. I know it's a horrible, draining experience - the not knowing is just so frustrating.

The school know and are massively supportive. They find the whole thing as frustrating as I do but it is what it is.

Settling in is in June and July. I know this for sure.

I guess if they don't have a panel, they don't have a panel. It is poor form I suppose but I can only accept it. I might ask that they tighten up on it for next year. It makes the whole thing harder for parents.

The very best of luck. Knowing the County as I do, I'm surprised it's so late in the term - I know KS2 and Secondary appeals are mostly done and dusted, at least around my parts. You'd have thought the Reception intake would have been a priority.

Thanks matey.

You're right. They're done in our bit too. Hence my shock really.

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

I hope the pupils concerned are excepted, in which case I would still expect the admission authority to argue that qualifying measures will be needed.

The 40 school day deadline is compulsory. They are clearly missing it. Unfortunately that won't help you unless you can show that you have been disadvantaged by the delay. In general there is no penalty for councils that miss the deadline.

I gather there is a lot you don't want to post publicly. I'll be happy to give advice if you want to PM me with the details.

Thank you prh. I will pm you in a bit.

Prh was absolutely amazing with helping me, I will always be grateful to him, I wish you all the luck op, think I recall your original post too, I have books if any help to you? How to win your school appeal by Ben Rooney and another one written by a clerk of appeals. I would be more than happy to send them on to you :)

We've already chatted via PM. I think I said yes to one of the books. I bought the Ben Rooney one in April and know it backwards. If you still have the one written by the clerk, I'd bite your hand off!

There are so many posters on here (including you MissR) who help out tirelessly where appeals are concerned. I had no idea they're so soul destroying. Fighting for your child's needs but feeling utterly isolated. Gah. I bore myself moaning about it.