Need advise, Yr 1 DD out of school since Sept16

[soeasybreezy]

We moved to a new city, two other DD were offered places in school, middle DD Yr 1 placed on waiting list (same school and 4 others). It has been 3 months and she's not been offered a place in any schools within our catchment.

Council has written to school who refused to go over their numbers. Have started an appeal process through school directly and Council.

Trying my best to home school her but feeling so sad that she is missing out. Just wondering if anyone can offer any advise?

[soeasybreezy]

Appreciate the support and advise MsGameandWatch , I just worry about her falling behind and will enjoy my time with her now, it has been fun having a buddy at home.

[prh47bridge]

I was assured by the LA that they had to follow procedures

They do, but the time it has taken suggests they allow schools to dictate. They should be in control of this situation.

I was told to send a letter to the Chair of Governors

That is unusual to say the least. It suggests they may not be handling this as a proper admissions appeal. Have you formally applied for a place at this school? If you have and they have refused you are entitled to an appeal with an independent appeal panel. If you have not applied formally for a place at this school they may be treating it as part of the FAP process rather than as a proper appeal. If you have not already done so I would strongly recommend submitting an application for this school.

There's not enough school places to go round

There are very few LAs where there are genuinely too few primary school places - 4 to be precise (Reading, Sutton, Hounslow and Kingston upon Hull). There are rather more LAs that have enough places but they aren't in the right place - there are schools with spare places in areas that used to have lots of children whereas the schools in areas where children live today are jam packed. In any case, the LA is responsible for ensuring an adequate supply of places and have the powers to get new schools built if necessary. So it still comes back to the LA. Unfortunately some LAs were busy closing down and selling off schools even when it was clear that numbers were rising and the schools would be needed in a few years. Some LAs have done a good job. Where an LA has failed I am all for making sure they are hauled over the coals for it.