31 children in Year 1 class

[Concernedfriend2023]

There has always been 2 forms of 30 children at my DCs school, but as of two weeks ago, my DC's class has a new addition, and they now have 31. Nobody has left. I know in reception classes, if a parent can prove there was an admissions error, they can go over ICS, but could anyone tell me how this could happen in a Year 1 class. They're not the first child to join mid year, but before, someone has always left first, and there has been 30 in each class.

Ehcp naming the school?

Several reasons. Could be a looked after child or a refugee. There are exceptions to the rule where schools have to go over PAN to accept a child. Most of those reasons mean that child has been through a lot so best not to speculate.

In rare cases an appeal can be won at Year 1 as well, it's an ICS appeal case if there are 30 already but it can happen.

Also there is the EHCP route, or possibly a FAP admission - Fair Access Protocol, where there are no other suitable schools with places; a military family returning, or a looked after child - all of these can, if agreed, be accepted as an excepted child in to a class of 30.

Thanks both, that seems so obvious now!

Also, if all schools within a reasonable distance then the 'fair access protocol' kicks in which ensures the child gets a place somewhere.

My dd got into her school mid year on appeal taking the class to 31. Lots of the other parents wouldn't speak to me and some of the ones who did were only interested in how I'd cheated the system etc.

@Socktupus Sorry that happened to you! Obviously I wouldn't dream of asking anyone at school.

Happened with my DC’s class. 30 kids, one left, child at the top of the waiting list was a twin, they admitted them both.

Just happened at DCs school, someone in her class left and top of the waiting list was a twin so one of the other classes now has 31. I would say I assume that they just don't replace the next person to leave but this is a year 2 class and the classes get bigger in juniors anyway.

As already mentioned multiple births is very common now but most likely is an EHCP child or LAC/previously LAC.

There are 9 exceptions under paragraph 2.16 of the School Admissions Code.