Statement question?

[Crawling]

Can you name two school choices? A first choice and a second choice?

No, I don't think so. Why would you need to? Do you suspect the LA won't go for your first choice? Is there a big difference between them?

You could see what they say about your first choice and fight for that and have the second in reserve if all else fails.

Because I want a special unit/school but I know my ideal choice is pretty full but while the other is my second choice its not as full so debating which to go for.

I think you should go for your first choice and see what they say. Do you know whether they agree your child needs a special school? Would both schools provide a suitable education for your child? Does your preferred school have places?

You will have to present an argument that this school is the one that will meet your child's needs. It will water down your argument if you suggest a second, although if you are equally happy with either you could flag this up as you go,

There is a rumour that my preferred has 1 place but 40 who want it its one that requires diagnosis though so im hopeful that dd will be diagnosed by the time I get a statement.

Once you have a statement, if they have a place, you get it. It doesn't matter if there are 39 others who 'want' one in the future - it's about the moment you have the final statement issued.

Also, special schools don't have 'year numbers'. They have a global number for the whole school.

Your choice of school must be considered. If they come back and say 'no' then you can either appeal the decision, or choose the other school.

Thanks all im just so stressed and worried over all this.

Some LAs demand that you put a first and second choice, particularly if you want a mainstream school. It's a dilemma, because some schools, particularly academies, pressurise the LA not to put what they view as too many statemented children into their schools, and if there's a second choice it lets them off the hook. On the other hand, if you don't put down a second choice and you don't get the first choice, you might well get the school that has got places because no-one wants it.

Don't put a second choice. If you are not given the school you name, you can either appeal or negotiate at that point.

If you name a second choice it weakens your argument. Particularly if lack of agreement from mainstream school you have chosen can give you a good basis for requesting an independent school.

Thank you ill just name my preferred school.