Homeless children and school places

[HRT]

Hi, just looking for advice please.
I am having to go into temporary housing and will likely need to move area. Do homeless children have a right to attend a school in the area we are allocated? What happens if the local schools are full?

Your children should have preference if there’s a space in a school. You can contact directly the school or your LEA. Some boroughs publish the spaces available for an In-Year application. Good luck.

Yes, they will be allocated a school place. Children who are homeless come under the fair access protocol so even if there are no school places at any school within reasonable distance they will be allocated a place (it will have to go to panel though if there are no places anywhere).

You will need to apply to schools yourself. They usually have to give you a decision within three days. If one of your preferred schools has places, you will be allocated there but if they don't and a school within reasonable distance has a place/places then you will be allocated a place at the non preferred school. If no school has places in the area, it will go to panel.

Children have a right to a school place and you have a right to express a preference. If the local schools are full your children may qualify for home to school transport, if the nearest school is over two miles away if they are aged under eight and the nearest school with a place is over two miles away or over eight and the school is three miles away (also other exceptions for example if they are disabled or there is not a suitable walking route). The local authority admissions team will help you find a place. If you have difficulty, they may consider the children at a Fair Access Panel. Good luck and feel free to post if you have any difficulties.