Waiting lists for ASC

[TrueOlympian]

I have a 10-month-old baby and I was advised by a neighbour to put him on the waiting list for the After School Club for when he starts P1. Initially, I thought the neighbour was not serious, but I emailed the ASC and they actually accept applications for the waiting list! I applied, and then I received an email saying that we are not going to get a place.

How do they know from now if they will (not) have a space in 5(!!) years? Shouldn't they look at the list in 5 years and let us know then? How do waiting lists work?

Ask how it works?
It sounds ridiculous.

That's ridiculous. He's 10 months old, he may not even attend that school when he reaches school age. I suspect they say he won't get a place because it's 5 years away! It would be completely bonkers to do the list based on who put their child's name down 5 years ago. You must surely understand how nonsensical trying to sign your child up for an after school club 5 years in advance is.

At least you know… A local primary school does a lottery, you can apply for a maximum of 2 spots per term. You might win nothing, you might win friday afternoon when you needed Tuesday morning, etc. Very much assuming that breakfast/after school club is just to give mum the chance to clean church (catholic school), or have a coffee, not to enable work…

I agree with you. But what options do I have if everyone is doing it?

Everyone isn't signing their child up for after school care at 10 months old though so you don't have to do anything.

It depends a bit - if they have a very small amount of spaces (local primary school has 20 for reception to year 6, 2 form entry), than it could be realistic ….

Is there a criteria other than date of application that you're not meeting? Do they prioritize by residence, economic status, teacher parents, siblings, religion, etc?