Appeal hearing - Y4

[Hilda41]

Hello,
I would be really grateful for any tips on my up coming appeal hearing (for a Y4 place) Have not much of an idea what to expect and am really nervous.
We've recently moved from the south to Sheffield and my 8 year old son (Y4) has found the move really tough. He's autistic, highly anxious, possible ADHD and since Y3 has been very reluctant to go to school. He has a diagnosis of high functioning autism, but no EHCP.
I've submitted an appeal for a local school - (the school we were allocated was 10 minutes drive away on a good day and the deputy head thought that it might not be right for him based on the distance and his tendency to school refuse).
I've appealed on the basis that the school we would like has a) much better resources for SEN children than the one we have been allocated b) is much closer
Does anyone know what sort of questions I might be asked?
How much evidence should I submit? I was thinking my son's diagnosis and possibly a letter from a therapist describing his anxiety. Would that be enough?

Can you get a letter from the consultant setting out specifically how the school you want meets his needs? Preferably focus on areas where the offered school is weak but don't say it is as you are appealing for a school not against the school.
Do you have the deputy head's opinion in writing? I'm guessing not but if you do, include that as evidence of needs.

When I was doing this a few years ago I asked every person involved in dcs care to give me supporting evidence, plus submitted every report /letter I had.
You need to stick to the facts what does the school give that the other school can't. I listed Dcs needs / difficulties and how they could be best met at the school. Good luck.

Have a Google for Sheffield Parents Carers Forum. They are really helpful

Sheffield LA notoriously seem to battle with parents regarding SEN. They tend to say no to everything, only the parents/carers willing to go to appeal get what is rightfully deserved for their child.

Anything you have that states why this school meets his needs would be very helpful; not just general "he has anxiety" but "his anxiety would be greatly helped by attending X school because".... this is much more insightful for the panel. Likewise you need to be specific as to why the SEN support would be good for his needs.

You are making a case that the detriment to him of not attending is greater than the detriment to the school of taking another pupil; why does this school meet his needs specifically?

And yes if you have any evidence of what the other deputy head said then do submit that. You are appealling for a school not against one, but something like that is definitely relevant.

Thanks so much for the responses. Unfortunately we don't have much evidence as he has always masked really well at school and let it all out at home, but I will submit what we do have. I've been quite specific in my appeal, hopefully it will be enough.

It's unlikely to be, tbh, unless you have some actual evidence. Every parent would love their child to go to their local school. Every child's life would be easier if they went to their local school. You need to have something that states it is in his best interests to attend that school. Definitely not 'Mum tells me that....' which is very common evidence that is offered.

Having said that, it's year 4, so it's a prejudice appeal, which means that anything you can think of that will push the balance in your favour will count. So compare them bit by bit and see what you can say is better about your school of choice.

For a case built around anxiety, evidence would be a huge help. A letter from a therapist describing your son's anxiety helps a little, but nowhere near as much as a letter saying that, in the therapist's professional opinion, your son needs to attend X school because...

I agree with PatriciaHolm that, if you have evidence of what the deputy head said, you should submit that. You also need to be specific as to what this school provides that is missing from the allocated school and will help meet your son's needs. Simply saying that the appeal school has better resources for SEN is too general. What specifically have they got that will help your son.

I also agree with Lougle that you should look for other things the appeal school offers that are missing from the allocated school and are relevant to your son. Every little helps.

As PatriciaHolm says, be as detailed as you can in explaining why this school is better able to meet his needs. You’re aiming to persuade the panel that any detriment to the school in having to cater for an additional pupil is outweighed by the detriment to your son if he doesn’t get a place.