Grounds for appealing primary school offer?

JC9297

JoJoB wrote: »

I'm in Kent.

Thanks silvercar - certtainly will ask to see the health and safety assessment of the route when doing the appeal, that's a great idea, and it's exactly what I'm wondering about the bus pass, it doesn't actually remove the expense part of the equation if I am having to pay my fare to escort her every day! Even if there is a dedicated school bus I think 4 years old is a bit young to go unaccompanied. My friend's son got beaten up on a school bus last year, they are not necessarily safe places!

Then there is a good 20-25 minute walk at the other end. I just don't think it's nice for a 4 year old, just getting used to the really long days at school for a start, to have an hour journey on either side of that school day. She'll be exhausted! Think this is the avenue I will have to push - a tired child will not be amenable to much learning.

Remember you will be appealing for the school(s) you want her to go to, not against the one you have been given. You have to focus on why she needs to go to that particular school, they're not interested in why you don't want the allocated school.

flutterby_lil

NBirdy wrote: »

Same here - 20th April. I just checked when I saw this thread and panicked lol!

Letters go out 2nd class 24th april for me.......although i did it online (Lancashire).

LindseyandMatthew

We find out on the 16th April, I'm quite nervous and hoping we get our first choice school but my dd will have no siblings here as my ds goes up to the secondary school in September.

I don't really know what you could put on your appeal but I hope you manage to get it sorted x

JoJoB

JC9297 wrote: »

Remember you will be appealing for the school(s) you want her to go to, not against the one you have been given. You have to focus on why she needs to go to that particular school, they're not interested in why you don't want the allocated school.

Yes, this is the bit i am having difficulty with - the whole distance thing is such a huge factor that it has to be mentioned! But sounds a bit pathetic to say I want DD to go to this school because it is quite close.

pandora205

The first thing to do is to check with the LA officer who deals with 'transport' as to how they would expect your child to get to school. I'd be surprised if they expected a four year old to catch public transport and then walk for 20 minutes. I'd also be surprised if there wasn't a school bus going directly there. Secondly, ask about cost. In most areas a bus pass is provided and there is limited cost unless the school has been chosen by the parents.

Having information you may wish to reflect on the school again. Check Ofsted reports and visit: sometimes local rumours are not substantiated by facts.

However, as others have said the most powerful grounds for appeal are positive ones re. local school/s. You'd need to find some specifics (with evidence) regarding the provision they make that would suit your child.