*ADVICE-MEDICAL NEEDS APPEAL

[Myloboys04]

Hi. We are new to this site. We are seeking advice as our son has been allocated another school. We attended all the open evenings and the school we selected, was the only school my son felt comfortable at. Hes a shy, intravert boy who lacks confidence, has very low self esteem and worrys. His independence is non existant. As his parents, we were anxious of his behaviour as hes found the last few years difficult due to suddenly becoming ill in july 2015. He was diagnosed few weeks later with stage 3 kidney cancer. This has made him withdraw even more. It was and has been a big struggle getting him to open up and not deal with his emotions. He has been really low since finding out he did'nt get the school of his choice. During the open evening he really got involved in the demonstrations and he took on a leading role in viewing the school. We were thrilled how he seemed to enjoy being there an we felt he would adapt well and settle quickly. The route to school is from the bus stop only a few doors away. He has friends going there and this would mean travelling companions. We strongly feel he will just get stressed and upset. Any advice regarding an appeal would help alot. Concerned parents

Assuming no error has been made (I saw on the other thread that you didn't mention your sons' medical history on application, so presumably you failed on distance?) Your appeal will hinge on showing how the prejudice to your son of not attending will be greater than the prejudice to the school of admitting another child.

This will hinge on the things about this school that suit your child specifically. Subject they offer, clubs, specialisms, as well as the social/emotional impact - for this, you would ideally need some medical expert backup; you can't just say "he'll be happier on a bus with friends" as thats really the case for every child.

You need a medical profession to write something that says in their opinion, this school is the only one that can meet his needs because...etc.

So sorry your DS was so ill. It must have been very distressing.

Is this school the closest to your house?

To win an appeal you have to demonstrate that some specific qualities of this school are what your son needs due to his social/ medical needs. Or his interests etc.

So, for example, if he had any form of counselling or psychological support for the distress and loss of confidence, you could ask that person to write to say what you have said about confidence/ friends / support.

If he gets very tired as a result of his treatment or condition, you would need a doctor to explain this in a letter and say that it is important that he does not get tired out by travelling and as the easiest journey this is the best school for him, Maybe there are other facilities at the school that make it suitable in the light of his needs: an experienced pastoral care team that look after children like your son, quiet places to rest, etc. Maybe the school has an indoor regular club for children who like / need such a thing, socially or physically.

Letters from professionals need to be specific , to name the school and say why that school is the best school for the child, with a reason linked to the medical / social need. They need to offer this opinion as their own, not say 'xxx's parents feel that this school is best' or 'xxx's parents tell me that,,,'.

For other grounds for appeal you again need to show that specific aspects of this school suit your child and he would lose out by bit having access to these facilities. Another thread gave the example of a child who has an aptitude and passion for maths having grounds to appeal for a school that has maths clubs, enters competitions and does Further Maths at GCSE where the offered school does not. This can also apply to hobbies, or a particular language that is taught, music, etc.

It might help to explain that in the midst of all that went on you didn't realise that it would have been good to include your medical reasons when you applied.

Do you live close enough to the school to possibly get a waiting list place?

You can go on the waiting list and appeal.

Thank you for your advice. Yes, it was a horrific time and still ongoing. Stressful and anxious when his three monthly scans come round. We are aware we need to add educational benefits aswell. It all can not be just about his illness. He is top of the group in maths. He has always enjoyed maths. He really works hard to achieve and would welcome after school activities/groups. I have parents evening this week coming so will be speaking to her about this. During his treatment a d low feelings, he declined the help of councelling. I myself was having councelling and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) therapy. I explained to my son that it was ok to talk about our feeling as it stays i side us and can not escape. He was not willing. I don't know where to start regarding professional help. We had close connection to our clic sargent social worker and also our macmillian nurse. Both aware of my sons emotions at the time. The school we want is 2.2 miles away, but a direct bus route with a short walk.

Maybe your Clic Sargent Social Worker could write about his emotional needs?

Have a look at the school's maths provision and clubs. Look all over their website, the news section, the clubs (may be called 'enrichment').

Yes, as the others have said, you need letters from health professionals to confirm why, in their opinion, your child needs to be at this particular school. Then highlight other things - such as having (say) a maths club - that show that this school is the one that's best able to meet your child's needs.