Secondary School Appeal

[sur444]

Hi New to forum and in need of some advice please.

My son got none of his preferred schools (oversubscription) and we rejected the one offered by Birmingham LEA because of distance and reputation. He didn't meet the requirements of the grammar schools and he is on the waiting list at two of the local schools. Last time we checked with the school which is less than a one mile distance away he went from 4th to 16th on waiting list so not looking good.
We appealed to the LEA on the basis of distance and all his friends are going there back in March. He is a bright child but he struggles with his handwriting so we had him independently assessed by a child physiologist who has identified him as having few learning difficulties. She has recommended him to be registered SEN (as he may have dyspraxia) and to be given more time on exams.
The local school does cater for children with SEN and we will be submitting the report to the LEA prior to the appeal. I wish we had done this before he done the exams as it may have helped, but is too late to appeal on the basis of him having learning difficulties?

Any advice on how to further pursue a secondary school place if we do not win the appeal would be grateful.

Thanks

It is unfortunate that you have rejected the place offered. The LA is under no obligation to come up with another offer. Even if they do it will almost certainly be at an unpopular school even further away. There is also the risk that the appeal panel will think you are trying to bully your way into your preferred school by rejecting all alternatives. I am not saying that is what you are doing but it could damage your appeal if the panel think you are.

If your child gets a statement of SEN you will be able to name the school you want him to attend. There are very few grounds on which the LA can refuse to name the school you choose. Once you have a statement naming your chosen school he will be admitted to that school even if it is full.

You should make sure you are on as many waiting lists as possible but there are no guarantees. You need a plan B. I would be looking to secure a place somewhere, however much you dislike the school concerned.

The LEA will be arguing that (for children without statements) all schools can cater for a range of pupil needs and abilities, including additional needs. Do you have evidence to present to the panel that the allocated school can't cater for your child's needs?

As prh47bridge says, the LEA is not obliged to keep offering places until you accept one.

If you don't win the appeal, your options are to pursue a statement naming your preferred school (or any other), to join waiting lists and/or to apply for schools that you did not originally apply for.

It takes at least 6 months from asking to be assessed (Statutory Assessment) to getting a statement. That's if your request is accepted and the LA thinks your DS needs a statement rather than a school supporting him on school action or school action plus. It is rare but not impossible to get a statement for diagnosed Dyspraxia. It's only with a statement of SEN that you could get preferential choice of school. You are already too late for the start of September.

If you would like advice on requesting Statutory Assessment post on the MN SN children's board.

I would like to thank everyone who has responded to the thread you have been very helpful in what I am going to expect from my local LEA.

I feel disappointed for letting my son down more than anything. If I could turn back the clock regarding the school preferences I think he would have had a place in one of the other local comprehensive schools. What makes it even worse; this years current year 5 pupils will know their exam results before they have to submit their preferences.

I have put him on the waiting list on four other schools around my area so I?m hoping something comes up with a bit of luck.

Thanks again.