Help with writing an appeal letter.

[Sunshine35]

Hi,
I really need some help and advice as my LAC (foster child) hasn't got into her first choice of high school. I now have to write an appeal letter and I really haven't got a clue where to start and would appreciate some advice. The school bus that would take my LAC to school is a 15min walk and the school she got into she would have to catch two buses there and back. Also it's the school she would love to attend as she enjoyed her time on the visit. I know the school is an excellent school and has high standards and expectations of the pupils and that is what I want for her seeing she has had a hard/tough beginning. She works hard at school and has jumped two levels in her reading and literacy since coming to live with me. Also she is on target to get her level four for SATs which she and I have worked so hard on.
Any information/advice would be a wonderful help at this very stressful time.

Regards
Sally-Ann

It's a fair point admission, and it is often a cross-authority situation. However, as the OP does not have PR, I would advise her not to start the appeals process without the agreement and support of the corporate parent; and I would be very surprised if they chose to pursue the avenue of appeal, as this could mean things get very messy and confused, particularly if the situation involves more than one local authority. If they do choose to appeal, then the VH and SW should be writing the supporting letters etc, not the OP.

If the Virtual Head chooses to write to the SoS and request a direction, and this is successful, then this should produce a school place in time for September.

Actually, as it is an academy, the direction process will be the same regardless of whether the school is in the same authority that looks after the child.

Sorry to sound so ignorant but what is a virtual head? I have the backing of my LAC school and her SW is coming tomorrow so I will grill her. They are going to write supporting letter which I will attach to mine. What I really need are bullet points for my appeal letter on why I would like her to attend the school we have chosen. I have started. I have included that she would love a fresh start and make new friends as her old school friends live very near to where her mother lives. Also she enjoys music and plays the guitar, also music and drama and seeing the school has excellent facilities this would accelerate her learning. As she hasn't had the best of an early childhood and she was under achieving before she came to live with me last year, she is now on target for her SATs has 100% attendance, she is a happy and brighter child and I wish to see this extend and grow along with her education at her chosen school.
Any help and support would be much appreciated!!

All LAs have a virtual school head who must promote the education of LAC. They should know how LAC are doing and help other professionals involved find out about the needs of LAC children and additional support that is available.

If it turns out that a mistake has been made this will be a straightforward case and I hope that an appeal will not be necessary. As Tethersend says, if the LA chooses to direct the school to admit your daughter no appeal will be needed. However, if this does go to appeal this is a reasonable start.

You could do with some evidence specific to your daughter backing up the need for a fresh start away from her mother if possible.

The music, guitar and drama points are worthwhile. Again, any evidence you can provide to show her interest and/or ability will help.

Your last point about wanting her to continue improving doesn't look terribly strong at the moment. I would look at that and wonder why it means she has to be admitted to the appeal school. What specifically is it you expect this school to do for her that the allocated school won't.

Agree with PRH, you need to come up with some very specific reasons why the wished for school is the right school. The panel will be sympathetic and know that as a LAC pupil they need to be given very careful consideration you can help them make up their mind by having as strong a case as is possible.
You do need to accept that the panel are likely to ask some very pertinent and intrusive questions around the reasons for the child being LAC, so that they understand the circumstances. Please be assure that anything said at the appeal is in confidence.
If the SW is prepared to write a letter I would say that it would also be a real positive if they could come to the appeal with you as support but also to emphasise the depth of need for a place at the school. But you do need a case that has specific reasons for this school.

I now have the name for my LAC virtual head and will be asking my SW to get in touch. I will also ask for my SW to attend panel with me. I am meeting another foster carer who has been to panel three times and she has kindly offered her support.
Once again thank you so much for your constructive support. x