How long are you usually on a waiting list for?

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I'm thinking of moving my daughter from a private school to a state primary. She's 5 years old and in reception. We'd be looking for a place in year 1.
There are only 2 schools that I'd want her to go too. Both are usually oversubscribed and we are not in the catchment areas for either one. She can either stay at the school until she gets a place or we could home ed.
Does anyone have any idea as to how long we'd have to wait?

Until someone leaves I would think, which could be whenever! Also do you know if there are others on the waiting list that are in catchment, as they could have priority?

3 DS's class in year 2, two only announced this 3 weeks before the end of the school year, moved from jobs etc.

Have either school given you any feedback?

Is the school/s really that bad in your catchment?

MLL you would have to wait until a place came up. Are you a long way away - as I imagine the next nearest person would get the next place if that makes sense. They may have a place already tho - have you asked?

What is your catchment school like? Is there a real problem with it?

Having read yr other threads I personally think you need to move DD to a state primary able to cope better with her SN asap.

Sorry things aren't working out - I've read a lot of your previous posts too. It's generally easier to get places in years that aren't "normal points of entry". I would contact the schools you are interested in to see if there is a place or if they know of any coming up (people move all the time). You also need to know if there is a waiting list and whether or not the schools can allocate you a place directly in your area or if you have to go through the LEA.

I wanted to move DS2 from private to our local school at the beginning of Y2 but when I enquired (just before the last half term of Y1) I was told there was a space but we would have to take it up within six weeks. I moved him for the last half term which meant forfitting the school fees I had paid but there was no guarantee of a place if I didn't accept that one so it was worth it. Good luck.

True what others say about distance, you could be top of waiting list but if someone moves into the area living closer to school they then go top. Also in my DC school places are so sought after you get about 10-14 days notice i.e. may start midwway through a term if someone leaves.

Thanks everyone. I can put in a floating notice with her school, so if she has to come out quickly, I'll only have to pay for the time she's there, which is good.

We have chosen to look at schools with the best records for SEN's. We'll talk to them and see what they could do for her.

I'll probubly put her name down for both if they are both good, then see which comes up first.

You could request a statutory assessment of SEN and then you could queue jump into the school of your choice even if they were full.
You need to allow six months for this so need to start quickly if it's to be in place for year 1 though

Thanks, I'll look in to that.

If you google IPSEA you will find a template letter to start the process yourself.