Appeal help

[lulunat]

I am appealing my sons place in a few weeks. I have just found out that there are 4 siblings ahead of him on the waiting list. Siblings though are a higher criteria than pre defined area, yet we know there are others without siblings who got a place. I know that there couid be reasons for this but can I ask about this on my appeal to check that the application policy was adhered to?

The siblings may have recently moved to the area, have applied to other schools then changed their mind etc. Likewise the non siblings may have ehcp, be LAC, have got places before the siblings applied. Not sure if/how asking will help especially if time is limited for your case.

Thank you for your response. The non siblings we know who got a place in the original applications and we know that there only criteria was pre defined area.It is a through school so there may well have been children who didn’t have a sibling at the school at original application but did by the point of the decisions and waiting list . In our area we are able to email any questions around application process prior to our 30 minutes to discuss our child’s individual circumstances but just wondered if it is worthwhile asking. I don’t really have anything else to ask at that stage

The question here is whether any children were admitted from a lower admissions category than yours. Double-check that the LEA placed you in the correct category and ask them whether any children have been admitted from lower categories than yours - as has already been said, the children you think are in lower categories might not be.

Ask now because, if an error has been made which has cost your child their place, the LEA should correct it now, although many insist on sending the matter to appeal.

Many Thanks that’s really helpful.