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rejected by a nursery due to living in a different borough

5 replies

HappyChapsMum · 13/07/2012 20:53

First time on SN boards. My DSs SN are just starting to become apparent age 2 - his speech and motor skills are very delayed and to cut a long story short, we've been told by an OT that this suggests Dyspraxia. Anyway I've got him down to start a mainstream nursery in September but worrying this won't be enough and he will need more support. Anyway I visited a nursery today and had high hopes. They mix disabled and able children but provide extra support for those with difficulties. They are run by a charity with a religious affiliation but it is private (I think - you pay to attend anyway). After the visit I had just made up my mind to cancel his place at the other nursery and send him to this much more supportive one, when I received a call from the headteacher - who had been unable to attend my earlier meeting there. She said she had only just realised DC was from a different borough and therefore could not offer him a place. I am confused as kids without disabilities do not need to be from the borough to attend, places are funded by parents and the charity- their prospectus says 'as an inclusive nursery, children of all abilities are welcome' and also 'children who need additional support and to access the early years curriculum, will be considered for priority placement as soon as possible'. There is no mention of where you live having anything to do with an offer of a place - oh and not that it should matter but we are of the same religion as the school/charity. Can anyone explain how/they can reject my son on the basis of our borough?

OP posts:
TheLightPassenger · 13/07/2012 22:13

I don't know much about nurseries/funding etc, but wonder if they have had massive problems with health or education, getting support for kids who live in a different borough to where the nursery is, sometimes these cross border admin issues can be a pain. Obv it is still upsetting for you and disappointing that the nursery you want him to go to is putting up obstacles.

HappyChapsMum · 13/07/2012 22:23

Thanks it is upsetting - I feel as though we have been discriminated against as a child without disabilities from outside the borough can go so he has been rejected for having a disability'

OP posts:
AgnesDiPesto · 13/07/2012 23:26

You can ask for eligibility criteria - sometimes charities will be linked to certain areas e.g. it may be in their constitution they provide services in a set area.

But while you may be able to force yourself in, you also have to be sure that they do really want your child. If they don't really want your child then walk away.

Hellenbach · 14/07/2012 08:31

It sounds like a similar set up to the special needs playgroup we use. It is a charity and they receive funding to work with children in one county only. We were very lucky as we have the county postcode even though we live on the border.
I know it's linked to their funding, there are very strict guidelines on eligibility, sorry probably not what you want to hear.

SilkStalkings · 14/07/2012 08:49

If they are able to apply for Inclusive Place funding that will be LEA related so where you live will make a difference. If you think he will need extra help in future it's probably best to get in the system within your own borough sooner rather than later.

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