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Waiting List Reception...Still

5 replies

AnxiousMover · 01/09/2021 16:29

Just wondering if anyone else is in our situation or has some advice. We moved this summer - actually to a rental place in the end as our house purchase fell through but we’ve had an offer accepted on another lovely house so fingers crossed!

My daughter starts reception this year i.e next week and we are 1st on the waiting list for a school very close to our rental (and to the house we’re trying to buy actually). She also has a place at a school a 30 minute walk / short bus journey away, near our old address.

We’re in London, very transient population and lots of movement but we’ve been 1st on the waiting list for all of august and no place has come up yet. I keep hearing that places will come in the first few days of term as people won’t turn up - but I’d rather avoid her starting in one place for a couple of days only to move?!

The first day at the school we have a place is an optional settling in morning - I’m considering keeping her home for that day in case a place comes up then at the school we want? She’s very confident and excited about big school so I have no concerns about her settling in, if we can avoid moving schools that is. But also don’t want her to miss out on the opportunities others get and of course a place may not come up at all.

Advice welcome!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
NeverDropYourMoonCup · 01/09/2021 17:41

You could definitely get a place because somebody doesn't turn up - but that often takes a couple of weeks, as the school has to be certain that parent has definitely withdrawn before reallocating.

JuneOsborne · 01/09/2021 17:43

Send her to the settling in session. Even if it's the not the school she eventually goes to, it will help her.

I'd start thinking mentally, that she's going to the school that's further away, you don't want your dd to pick up on any lack lustre vibes.

Places do come up in the first couple of weeks and even a bit later. Hang on in there.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 01/09/2021 18:14

When is she five? Can you defer her for now to give her time on the waiting list? And go on other waiting g lists nearby?

AnxiousMover · 01/09/2021 19:00

She’s already 5 - we deferred her as we didn’t think she was ready at just turned 4. All good points thank you, we’ve bought the uniform and she’s excited about starting school and knows she might swap schools because of our house move. I’ll just cross my fingers in the meantime.

OP posts:
Heckythump1 · 02/09/2021 12:39

Send her to the one you've got a place for definitely... my daughter started reception last year and had 5 children come from other schools during the course of the year (the first after October half-term) and they all settled in amazing well!

I'm sure she will be fine, hope you get the place at the school you want soon, a 30 minute walk to school is not my idea of fun! It's lovely to have local friends too! xx

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