I don't want to go into too much detail but:
I am a sole parent for 2 daughters both with diagnosed anxiety disorder. They have had a difficult past - alcoholic father from whom I am now divorced, neither child wants to see him. We have had a summer of harassment and threats with the police involved.
Last year the 15 year old became too anxious to attend her school in year 10. She was treated by CAMHS and after much difficulty (because of her low attendance figures) and much mention of the Equalities Act, got her a place at a local Catholic school. She has flourished now full time attendance and very happy. But as a result of our domestic situation and her anxiety, I am driving her too and from school everyday. The only way she can attend.
My younger daughter was at the feeder school for secondary now attended by my older daughter. All her friends - really all her friends - got into this school because they are baptised. My daughter didn't.
We went to appeal with evidence from her counsellor - very experienced student counsellor - stating that she needed to be with her peers and sister. There was more evidence than this. I thought it was well presented. The appeal panel agreed that the prejudice to my daughter greater etc, but there were stronger cases (3) who were given places.
I tried to present this positively to my daughter. Hard because she was allocated a place at the huge school that handled my other daughter's problems very badly. I also rung up diocese who said that a second appeal could be agreed if the situation had changed significantly, at the discretion of the governors.
Our domestic situation had grown more threatening, with the police risk assessing us as at immediate risk from children's father. My daughter's mental health had further deteriorated and she was referred to CAMHS.
I gave evidence to school governors. They are going to decide whether they can sanction a second appeal on Tuesday. I have given more medical evidence and police risk assessments and incident reports.
I am still having to drive older daughter to school and younger daughter is scared to get bus. I really am totally on my own and both children highly highly anxious. I have bipolar disorder, medicated and treated and under community mental health team.
My younger daughter has totally crumbled on her second day at huge new school - she doesn't know anyone - it really is a big school and she is a very shy girl. I have contacted year head etc and also contacted doctor. She is in tears and cannot sleep, really in a state.
I do not know what to do or if there is anyone I can contact to help me sort out this mess. I know I should just wait to see if second appeal will be held. But I don't know how to get both children in different directions to schools.
I don't know if my younger daughter is in anyway entitled to a place under fair access protocol because of her mental health requirements. Please could somebody advise - I mean in legal terms.
I know about trying positive, communicating with schools etc. I have done nothing else this last year with other daughter.