Starting school question

[raffle]

DS is starting school in September. We are waiting on a statement (got letter saying he is definitely getting one, it's being drafted at mo). We went ahead and made our three choices for schools, and today got an email saying our first choice has been refused.

My question is...once we are in posession of his statement can we re-apply for our first choice? I thought statements children got their first choice schools?

He is our first DC to go to school so completely unfamiliar with the process...and I want to cry now

Hi
Sorry to here you didn't get your first choice school, did you get any of your choices?
First thing is to accept the place you have been given.
Second thing is to put your name on the waiting list for first choice school.

If you decide to appeal - you will have to demonstrate as to why your child's needs could be only met at your first choice school- what do they have/do that the school allocated doesn't.

If you are waiting for the LEA to name your first choice school then please ensure that it is named and not 'a mainstream school of parental preference' as this is not naming your first choice school currently.

Do you also realise that in most LEA's that if they name the school on the statement and its not your local then you will be responsible for transport and that other children in the family will not be able to apply under the sibling rule, so lots to think about.

Good luck and ensure you read up on the SEN code of practice.

Ps: don't trust anybody, you are the only advocate for your child and only you has their best interests at heart....

Can you tell I speak from experience!

Oh thank you so much for your reply. I'm so upset, had my heart set on the first school, it would be PERFECT for him. So I need to get the statement to name the school, hopefully I can do this and then they will take him.

I have committed you name to memory chatee so I can badger you with questions in the future!