Secondary school appeal letter

[theworldhasgoneinsane]

Hi,

I am in the process of writing the appeal letter for my daughters secondary school. I am clear on the reasons and have good supporting evidence from her consultants, OT and current school. She has juvenile arthritis and the school we have been allocated has lots of stairs and no lift. The school we want is much smaller and has a lift. So pretty simple really!

Can anyone give me some tips of what to include in the letter or what to focus on? Anyone done this and been successful?

And any tips for the day we go to panel would also be helpful please?

That sounds like a strong case (although nobody can predict the outcome, as it depends on how strong a case the school makes for not admitting).

You’ve summed it up well here. You’re appealing for your preferred school, not against the allocated school, so emphasise that your child needs a school with a lift. You can then mention that the allocated school has one. Make sure that your supporting letters mention the preferred school by name.

You're aiming to convince the panel that the prejudice (detriment) to your child if they don’t get a place outweighs any prejudice to the school in having to accommodate an extra pupil. Mention anything else that makes this school particularly suitable for your child, but the argument around accessibility is probably going to be the strongest, so major on that.

In addition to the lift, if your preferred school has a smaller footprint which will make day to day school life easier due to less walking in the course of the day, say this, (my mum had RA, I know it isn’t the same, but I understand)

Thanks @PanelChair that's reassuring. My supporting letters don't specify the school, my daughter is under a constant at addenbrookes which isn't our local hospital so they don't know the schools. But the letters do back up what I'm saying in terms of her pain, mobility and what she needs at school.

@AuditAngel yes the preferred school is much smaller generally, and easier to get around (allocated school is a very old building with uneven ground)

Sorry another question! How much info would you suggest writing in the letter? And I'm not sure how many clinic letters to send with it. I want to give as much info as possible but don't want to send more than necessary

The key points they look as is why the school you want will benefit your child mentally and physically.. These needs to emphasised.

Keep it concise, relevant and to the point, dont waffle!!
Provide as much evidence as you can.

Your letter should cover all the main points of your argument, but keep it concise. You can go into more detail on the day, if you wish. Make sure the letters and other evidence you submit are clear and relevant.

I’ve heard lots of appeals (for example) where parents have submitted very long articles downloaded from the internet about their child’s medical condition. The panel doesn’t need that (and won’t thank the parents for making them wade through it). The panel is looking for a clear statement of what the child needs and how (in the opinion of health care professionals) the preferred school can provide it.

I agree. Your case is very straightforward:

-Explain how JA impacts your DD.
-Explain what a bad day might look like. -Explain why a smaller school footprint and lifts, along with even ground is helpful to her.
-Explain that your preferred school has those features and that your allocated school does not.
-If the school journey would be more difficult to the allocated school, this is one situation where it could be relevant.