Can you appeal a rejection before it goes to FAP?

[BlueSquirrels]

Currently been out of mainstream education for 3 months after “withdrawing” from private school (being asked to leave) following drug use.

A state school accepted our in year 9 application, called us (parents and child) in for a meeting, said they were aware of the previous incident.

They said they knew that a substance abuse course has been completed and this was a chance at a fresh start.

We discussed what unform to buy etc. They said “don’t worry you can’t say anything wrong in the meeting we’ve already accepted you”. We gave proof of address. registered via applicaa.

Two days later to get an email saying they would be rejecting the application and referring to FAP based on “previously undisclosed information concerning a threat of exclusion”.

There was also a previous incident (vandalism) at a previous school in year 8 where we were advised to “withdraw”.

So despite there being no ‘official’ exclusions on record, is my child now being treated with the two exclusion rule and will FAP recommend a PRU??

@crunchthyme thanks for your helpful answers . If we are not happy with the school that the FAP allocates and we want to proceed with the appeal, does the allocated school have to hold that place open until the appeal process is over and the decision is made?

You would need to accept the place at the allocated school, then proceed with the appeal. They wouldn't just keep a place open for you.

Do consider that most children will do better at a school that wants them.

As Lougle says, you would need to accept, And then continue with the appeal process separately.

The fact you have accepted the FAP allocated school won't have any impact on the appeal. The panel will be well aware that you have very limited options at this point and had no choice but to accept if you actually want your child to have a school guaranteed.

I have a faster than expected update. The FAP met and decided on two grounds that the case doesn’t meet the threshold for a FAP placement and that the school that offered the place and subsequently rejected it must accept my child.

There was insufficient evidence of:

1. 2. Challenging behaviour – in terms of the severity, frequency, or duration that it is beyond

the normal range that schools can tolerate; and behaviour that would significantly interfere with the pupil’s/other pupils’ education or jeopardise the right of staff and pupils to a safe and orderly environment.

also

That the school already has a particularly high proportion of children that either display
challenging behaviour or have previously been permanently excluded.

Thanks for the update. I hope your child settles at their new school.