DS1 didnt get into first choice

[justhavingamoan]

he did get our second choice though.

would you appeal?

i am really upset, but i am pleased with the second choice, it is lovely and looks like (from reports) it is going to be graded aswell as our first choice one at the next inspection.

i am not sure what to do.

second choice is further away, but in an area we are going to move to. first choice is closer, but we would never move to that area (no train station).

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh. now im confused.

i jst dont know whats the best thing to do.

anyone with experience of this?

if it is in an area you are goin to move to i'd stick with it.

i didnt realise how much i was banking on the first choice coming in, but i know you are right.

wish i hadnt chkd online and waited for the letter!

Sounds like your second choice will work out- go with it

thanks. i didnt realise it would be so difficult choosing and getting into a primary school. cant believe i am so stressed about this and he isnt even at school yet!

It is one of the most stressful parental experiences ime!!
I am sure it will all work out

I wouldn't judge too much based on Ofsted reports. They are a good indication of how the inspectors found the school at the time (and require a good knowledge of the school to be able to read between the lines of what is being said/indicated).

However things change very quickly in schools: new Head and/or new teachers (remember that this is the key time/ deadline for teachers putting in their notice ready to start a new job in September), the 'mix' of kids in your child's class etc.

I'd go in, preferably after the forthcoming holiday and have a good tour of the school and ask some direct questions regarding staff turnover, any forthcoming staff moves, how they cover staff absences (is this done by qualified teachers or by using TAs?) how they manage behaviour, how frequently they listen to their reading, change their books, how they deal with children who aren't coping socially ie not making friends etc etc.

These will, I predict be the key questions that you will be asking in your child's first year. Don't be taken in by a school's current reputation amongst parents, uniforms, sweet sounding singing or being shown Amelia's fantastic handwriting (because she's probably got a Tutor at home).

And in the meantime, I'd put your child's name down on a number of other school's waiting lists.

If you put it down as a choice , can you appeal ? Unless your ds' application was not delat with according to the stated selection criteria you probably can't. Why are you upset, is it really about this school or him going to school ?

don't understand if second choice is lovely and looks like it's doing well and you're moving to the area why be upset?

I think children should go to their closest school (as long as it's good) because then you get the social life which is a big part of school and childhood

he is not gonig to local school either. this is because it isnt that great. i am ok with choice now, not going to appeal.

thanks for all your comments.

xx