Can a primary school withdraw an offer once accepted and offer to someone else?

[Starlight987]

I’m looking for some advice about a school admissions issue because I’m not sure what’s happened here.

Last week I was offered a place for my son at a primary school for an in-year admission. I accepted the offer over the phone, and yesterday I went to view the school. When I arrived, the office manager asked why I wanted to move my son. I explained that I don’t feel he’s getting the right support at his current school and that he has special needs.

I could tell something felt a bit off during the conversation she seemed quite reluctant. She said she would speak to the headteacher to arrange a meeting, but I never heard back. When I called today to follow up, she told me they’d now offered the place to another child who has an EHCP and apologised, saying she only found out when she spoke to the headteacher.

I’m finding the timing quite suspicious, especially as everything seemed fine until I mentioned my son’s additional needs. I’ve already spoken to the council and they said the school shouldn’t really have done that, and they’re going to speak to their manager about it.

Has anyone had anything similar happen or know if this is allowed? Can a school just withdraw a verbal offer like that after a visit? I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing for my son.

You can really tell the difference between a challenging class and a more straight forward one. My eldest daughter’s class had very high level of conflicting needs but no ECHP funding until very recently and had gone to 33. She was stressed and anxious going into school.and I only really realised how bad it had been when her 5 year old sister was doing more work in year 1 than she was doing and we moved her. If they are giving you hints it might not be ok you do need to take that on board. If it’s a one form entry, I’d take that seriously as there is just less ability to move
around to shift the dynamics. You still might go ahead but it may well not be any better. I feel for you though because it seems like such a widespread challenge re resources. It’s not acceptable really that it is harder for you to move school than children without SEN.

Hello everyone, I would like to get your thoughts about a situation happening right now.
My son has been accepted in School for the next academic year (FS1). Initial tuition fees have been paid.
After 1-2 months from this acceptance and in line with KHDA requirement related to the new cutoff date, we have received now a confirmation that the offer has been withdrawn, and the school cannot offer him a place anymore because the at full capacity for the FS2 Year.
In addition to this frustrating event, we know that many children that were in the same situation have been accepted from same current class in the nursery.
I would appreciate in getting any possible guidance regarding this matter.
thank you

@SCHOOL26 you should start your own thread as responses to your query are likely to get overlooked in this older thread. Am I right in thinking you are talking about private schools in Dubai?

I'd cut my losses unless the school has a reputation for being absolutely amazing. Instead focus on finding another school. With this one you have already started off on the wrong foot and would you trust them after how they behaved? And 31 children in the class is not ideal for anyone.

Horrible experience though I'm sorry.