schools within same MAT

[DubbinDobbin]

I've been trying to find a school space for my DS4, long boring backstory but been home edding after a rather difficult EHCP and tribunal situation for DS3 (who now attends an independent special).

Admissions team has emailed with 3 schools which "may" have space. However, all 3 are the same MAT as the old school.

For reasons, which are just too outing, only really 1 viable school of the 3, and it's only recently joined the MAT. Is there likely to be much engagement between schools if it has joined voluntarily rather than sponsor situation? I'm aware this all sounds highly paranoid(!), but you'll have to take my word for how awful the actions of certain staff at the old school were.

Did your ds4 attend the old school or not? If he did then yes, they will ask for his file and they could ask for info. However, they might just read the file which will ne about your ds4 and not ds3 and that could be that. They could ask for info and the old school could fill in the new school on the problems with your other ds. Having said that, it will end there. Even if they told the new school that there had been difficulties between school and you, the new school is unlikely to care that much. Kids move between schools. We have children transfer from other schools within the MAT. Sometimes, they transfer because there have been problems there, sometimes parents are unhappy with teachers, managers, bullying or whatever. We accept the new child, work with the family and that's that. If you are worried that they will get the wrong impression, speak to the head. Be upfront and say that you are looking for a fresh start for your ds after the relationship broke down due to the conflict over your oldest special needs. However, I would personally say nothing. Don't be ashamed of advocating for your eldest, but equally don't let it stop you from finding a new school for your ds4.

DS4 did attend reception there and we deregistered at the start of the Yr1 term. But with Covid he hadn't attended since March.

I've asked the admissions officer to formally approach. I'm in two minds to say anything, I've actually heard not great things about the management at this potential school. But I'm not in a position to be picky if I want Ds4 back in a school, so I'm thinking of just keeping lowest possible profile (if there is a space) and see how it goes.