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Secondary education

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Original poster

Secondary place withdrawn today please help

449 replies

Middleoftheroad · 13/06/2017 15:50

I am still shaking

I have equal ability twins. One got into grammar one did not. We moved closer to be near the grammar and to secure my other twin a place at the local school, which we did at the start of March.

We have been through much heartache as this is a new area and a new school and my boys have been sad. I worked with the LA to secure the place after we moved. because we moved around offers day we were originally offered a failing school in our old LA which we declined once we had the new offer at the local school.

We did also appeal the grammar place for the comp bound twin - we proved his academic ability and the HT (presenting officer) said we gave a very persuasive case, but we were unsuccessful as they never allocate places on appeal. The boys wanted to be together but we were safe in the knowledge that whatever happened we had a comprehensive school place.

The twin who is going to comp has previously been under CAHMs for anxiety. He started to display these signs again so we took him to the doctor and have been working really hard to gee him up.

Tomorrow was meant to be a special transition day at the new school (he watched his twin go off to the grammar one yesterday) and we were looking forward to it.

out of the blue the HT of the comp calls me today to tell me that the LA has made a mistake in allocating its places and have withdrawn the place. The school wanted to let me know before the LA letter arrives so we don't go to the event tomorrow.

I have emailed my contact at the LA (ironically she is in appeals) the last place offered was 1.02 miles we are 1.04. I suspect they are currently allocating appeals places which we have missed the right to appeal. she says she is looking into it but as of right now we have no school place and I have a son on his way home who will be broken if we tell him.

We've had such an ordeal to get here. Aside from being morally bankrupt, is there a legal leg to stand on here? Apparently the LA messed up on quite a few offers made.

I just don't know what to do. I took the call at work and had to leave early. we have bought the uniform and built up to tomorrow. I am in total disbelief and feel sickened that my son is being messed around this way.

I have emailed the school again to ask that they intervene. Please help Tiggytape anybody?

OP posts:
shouldwestayorshouldwego · 21/06/2017 10:43

Good luck for tomorrow. Keeping everything crossed for you. Make sure that you add in that he would have been offered a place on the waiting list by now too. Something must have gone drastically wrong if people within 3m of you weren't offered a place initially or on waiting lists and are still appealing yet people further away and lower on waiting lists were still being offered places.

Original poster
Middleoftheroad · 21/06/2017 11:29

Thankyou - TBH I'm not sure even they know what has happened!

OP posts:
DarthMaiden · 21/06/2017 18:00

De-lurking to say I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and good luck Flowers

Haven't posted before as it's not something I have experience in and you've had some 1st class advice already.

Coconutty · 21/06/2017 18:44

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

Littledrummergirl · 21/06/2017 19:10

Good luck for tomorrow op. I've been following this and to be honest I think they are taking the piss!
Your Ds has been disadvantaged loads, this should be a formality that gives you back his place. Anything else is a disgrace.
The experts here have given some good advice. Normally I would say to try to keep analytical and avoid emotion in your case I would lay the case out calmly and ordered, time line when wait list offers etc were made and the different times you were disadvantaged, however I would let my emotion show during the delivery. The panel need to understand the stress that this whole debacle has put your family under.
I would also make it clear the legal position and that they need to correct the error as you will continue to fight for what's best for your son.

Not sure this is the best way to proceed but it's how I would be in your position.

Hope tomorrow goes well for you. Flowers

Allthebestnamesareused · 21/06/2017 19:43

Good luck tomorrow. Fingers crossed for you and DS.

MrsMontgomerySmythe · 21/06/2017 20:19

I have read your thread and am aghast! I truly hope justice is done Tomorrow.

Have you managed to keep these events from your son?
My heart goes out to you all.

QuackDuckQuack · 21/06/2017 20:38

Good luck tomorrow - hope you get the outcome you deserve and an apology for how badly you've been treated.

QGMum · 21/06/2017 20:40

Good luck for tomorrow. Hoping common sense and justice win the day and you don't have to wait too long to find out a positive result.

DrSpin · 21/06/2017 20:47

Good luck!

admission · 21/06/2017 21:16

Please make sure you go to the appeal tomorrow well prepared. You do need to show some emotion about this but you also need to make sure that you get all your points across succinctly and forcefully - the LA and school between them have screwed up big time here and you have been disadvantaged in three different ways, at least one of which the precedents show that they have gone against legal cases.
You would probably be best writing it down as you know that it will be stressful.
I would hope that luck will not come into the decision that the panel make, it should be glaringly obvious what the outcome should be.

YogiYoni · 21/06/2017 21:18

I've been following this and am delurking to say that I hope tomorrow goes well. You shouldn't need luck as it should be clear that your son should get the place.

SukiPutTheEarlGreyOn · 21/06/2017 21:27

Good luck for tomorrow. Gain strength from knowing so many good wishes will be going with you. Truly hope it results in a good outcome for you and DS.

Original poster
Middleoftheroad · 21/06/2017 21:38

Thankyou all. It does give me strength to know others can see this injustice.

Thanks Admissions -I am organising my folder as we speak and have my presentation and evidence prepared. But I felt very nervous at my last appeal and worry I'll dry up. Not reading, but by not thinking on my feet - I always think after the event "why did I not say/do that?" I don't know this inside out either. So many anomolies their end and generally odd conflicting answers.

I suspect I will get to the penultimate line and possibly crack as it always gets me.

He asked again today when his cancelled induction would be and once again I had to pretend we are still waiting to hear. I hope he can remain none the wiser and just enjoy some care free times.

I will keep you all posted. Thanks for so much advice and support. Prh47bridge has been especially kind.. you're all great!

OP posts:
3boys3dogshelp · 21/06/2017 22:17

Oh middle, I have just read this thread from the start and cannot believe what an awful position you have been put in. Surely any reasonable appeal panel will be able to see that your son can't lose his place as a result of this catalogue of errors on the LA's part?!
My ds had a mistake made on his primary application so that he wasn't offered a place at his first choice and a couple of friends much further away were. Ds was given his place without an appeal and the other children were also allowed to stay because it had been one day Since they were offered and it would have been unfair to remove it again when they had the expectation of a place.
I don't have much knowledge to help you tomorrow but I just wanted to say what an awesome mum you are to be fighting this so hard whilst also completely protecting your son - many of us would not be able to manage what you have been doing this last 2 weeks. Whatever the outcome your ds will still have you in his corner, he will be fine. Flowers

Original poster
Middleoftheroad · 21/06/2017 23:10

Thanks 3boys - glad your DS got his place - the stress has been immense. I am actually willing tomorrow to be here because I'm not sure I can spend another evening doing this. Plus, I think my kids might actually like to eat something that hasn't come out of a box this week!
A few more bits to do but I am running out of juice now.

OP posts:
user1471134011 · 21/06/2017 23:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

teaandakitkat · 21/06/2017 23:24

Good luck tomorrow. Hope you get a quick answer one way or the other (but preferably in your favour)

Heartoverheadhouse · 22/06/2017 00:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Middleoftheroad · 22/06/2017 06:30

I woke up very early but am now getting used to lack of sleep. Thanks for the well wishes - it's time to try get my boy his place back!

OP posts:
2gorgeousboys · 22/06/2017 07:10

I've been following this thread from the beginning but not posted as I didn't have anything useful to add and you were getting such great advice from those that know their stuff. Just wanted to say good luck today and I hope that the appeal panel realise there has been a monumental cock up and you and DS get the outcome you deserve.

ChilliMum · 22/06/2017 07:11

I saw this thread last week I am shocked it is still ongoing and despair at school system that can play with people's lives in such a way.

Good luck OP there are lots of us cheering you on today.

Oblomov17 · 22/06/2017 07:15

Very best of luck Middle Flowers

I agree, showing some emotion is actually good. They need to know how upset you have been. To them, it's just a job, sitting on a panel. To you, it's your son. I cried a tiny bit at my complaint. I'm glad I did. They needed to know.

Also maybe take a moment at the end? I asked to sit down and have a drink of water, just to take a few seconds to think about whether I had raised all my points?

You are fabulous. Your son would be so proud at your fight and your protection, if he knew what we all know here!!

Go get em Girl!!

velocitygir1 · 22/06/2017 07:18

Just saw this and want to wish you good luck for today.

Chillywhippet · 22/06/2017 07:27

Fingers crossed here too. Glad it's a bit cooler (minor things I know) but hopes it helps a little. Wishing you strength, which you have in spades.