Secondary Application Change

[ASDMum1973]

I submitted the Secondary Application form for my daughter by 31st October 2016 deadline and thought that would be it. My daughter had experienced some bullying in the previous summer term and the school dealt with it. Fast forward to November and I discover it never stopped and that it's just been classed as "girls falling out" by the school. It's also happening off school property now but school is in denial. The upshot is that I (and my daughter) want to change the school first choice. The LA site says you can only change under extenuating circumstances but if the school doesn't agree the bullying is going on how do I prove that the need to change the school named? Anyone been through this?

Probably should add Im down as a trouble maker at the LA as I've been to SENDIST Tribunal 4 times for my son who has Autism!

I would phone the LA and explain about the bullying and see what they say. If you say your dd is being bullied then I don't see why it should only count if the school agree. When you say your dd is being bullied out of school, do you mean on social media?

The bullying will (hopefully) be a thing of the past before she goes to secondary school.
If it's not, she can request to be no way near the bullies.

I'd be surprised if this was considered to be extenuating circumstances. You might have more of a case after places are allocated if there are still issues.

Is it a maintained school or an academy?

Either way make an official complaint in writing to the school about their handling of the bullying NOW. That gives you a paper trail and something more solid to point to.

If the school is maintained, the complaint can eventually be escalated to the LA if you remain unhappy. If academy, the complaint will remain with the school but you can still cite it in your admissions process discussion with the LA.

Once there's a flashing red 'awkward' light next to your name at the town hall, your best bet with everything is to enthusiastically and vigorously embrace official procedures whilst smiling (another SENDIST veteran here )

My ds2 was bullied at primary school. As soon as we knew which school he was going to we spoke to the new schools head of year and they ensured he shared no classes with the dc concerned.
His transition went well and he had great support from the new school. He really enjoys school now.