What's the latest date for getting a state school place?

[toadstool]

We're relocating this Summer to a place with over-subscribed infant schools. Our house sale has fallen through, and I can't get a school place until we have an exchange of contracts document - this may not be until August at this rate. As DD will be starting Year One, I assume the LEA is obliged to find her a place for September, but this seems risky, as there simply do not seem to be enuogh places to go round as it is. Should we book a place at a private school to fall back on?

You would have to pay out to secure a private place - probably a deposit plus a term's fees, forfeited if you cancel. Would you definitely move and take it up if you can't buy in the interim ? Even assuming you can find a school to take her it may not be one you'd choose as I'd be surprised if very good ones would have spaces atm, although you might get lucky. Try ringing a few to see.

I wouldn't worry - school places are very fluid people move areas/move abroad and there are often places (even at the most popular) schools that come up suddenly. We moved to this area three years ago -- and were offered places (in the Summer holiday) at the good local state school and a private school that we fancied. Despite me fretting about it all in the run-up to the house move!