School appeals - help offered

busiscoming2

I too got Ben's book and have almost finished it, in anticipation of the proicess. It seems from reading the book, you can only appeal directly because of the reason you are told you child has not gained a place. Am I correct? We only put down 2 schools as this was basically our only options (unless you want the dustbin), The 1st choice is the one my elder son went through I am sure this will suit my younger one too. The thing about the 2nd choice is apart from the distance (two buses) is it follows an accelerated curiculum and my son only got through to selective via appeal (he missed it by 2 marks!), so I am afraid he won't keep up, although we visited the school twice and spoke to staff who reassured me they do cope and can have extra lessons in order to do this. Any one been through the same thing?

Christmasshopper

busiscoming2 wrote: »

I too got Ben's book and have almost finished it, in anticipation of the proicess. It seems from reading the book, you can only appeal directly because of the reason you are told you child has not gained a place. Am I correct? We only put down 2 schools as this was basically our only options (unless you want the dustbin), The 1st choice is the one my elder son went through I am sure this will suit my younger one too. The thing about the 2nd choice is apart from the distance (two buses) is it follows an accelerated curiculum and my son only got through to selective via appeal (he missed it by 2 marks!), so I am afraid he won't keep up, although we visited the school twice and spoke to staff who reassured me they do cope and can have extra lessons in order to do this. Any one been through the same thing?

No, you can appeal on whatever grounds you like. My daughter didn't initially gain a place because the school was over subscribed. The appeal panel agreed that the school was full and that to take anymore children would compromise the education of the others. They then gave my daughter a place at the second stage of the appeal because her need to go there was greater than the school's need to not take another pupil.

silvercar

The thing about the 2nd choice is apart from the distance (two buses) is it follows an accelerated curiculum and my son only got through to selective via appeal (he missed it by 2 marks!), so I am afraid he won't keep up, although we visited the school twice and spoke to staff who reassured me they do cope and can have extra lessons in order to do this.

Don't worry about this, once he has a place the teaching will cater for the chidren they have in the class at that time.

In any case children evolve at different rates, so jut because he seems on the low side of the ability range for the school now, doesn't mean he will remain there throughout his time at school.

Also remember some children willhave been tutored to an obscene level to get their place.

busiscoming2

My son got his second choice of school, the one with the acclerated curiculum, and two buses away! Have decided this isn't so bad, but I shall still go to appeal as I really feel the first choice school is a better option. Am really worried about composing the appeal though. It seems he didn't get in due to oversubscription.

Christmasshopper

busiscoming2 wrote: »

My son got his second choice of school, the one with the acclerated curiculum, and two buses away! Have decided this isn't so bad, but I shall still go to appeal as I really feel the first choice school is a better option. Am really worried about composing the appeal though. It seems he didn't get in due to oversubscription.

Now look at the things your 1st choice school offer which the offered school doesn't. Are these things your son specifically needs? Is your son tallented at something which your first choice school offers? Does your son have any special needs which your first choice school would deal with better?
Just remember you are appealing FOR your 1st choice, not against your second choice.
Good luck.

HappySad

I still have one month to wait for me results for my son's lower school. My notes + consultant's letter have been sent to the Council Special Education Needs panel.. I hope that the decision is in my favor.

jetcat

my daughter has gained a place at our second choice school, and while academically that is a 'better' school than our first choice, i am appealing for the first choice. daughter has had a lot of social skills problems over the years, and a couple of years ago worked with an Ed Psych establishing a circle of friends. although that has now stopped meeting formally, she still feels the benefit of having the informal support of her peers. most of her year group are going up my first choice school, as the primary is a feeder for it. however, we do not live in the catchment for it (or for the primary, though she has attended since starting school.)
could i ask for opinions please on the chance of appealing under exceptional social needs, as daughter has a lot of self confidence worries, and is not a good 'mixer' with her peers, only with younger children.
also, as a single parent, i have my own health issues, and if she were to attend the same school as her peers, then my support networks would continue - ie. attending school events with other parents, having back up 'pick-up's' if i cant make it to the school. do appeals panel take a parents needs into account, or is it purely the child?
thanks in advance

potnoodle_2

jetcat, my son has been given a place under the "exceptional needs" category. The main thing is providing evidence, do you still have the reports from the ed phsyc? Would they be willing to provide a letter saying that the 1st school is only one that could meet childs need?

this will have much more sway at appeal. You need to prove that your childs need for the school outweighs the detriment to the school by having an extra student. sounds like you would have a strong case but the evidence would be crucial.

busiscoming2

Can Hayleyjg or anyone else shed some light for me: We are going to appeal, son got 2nd choice about 5 miles away - two buses, first choice is 10 mins walk away (DS1 in final year there). Having read Ben Rooneys book it seems I would probably have a better case if I dug out lots of facts and figures (from LEA or the school in question, I suppose). Is this really necessary, does it make a diffference? What other sorts of thing should I write, I don't want to send in sheets of drivel, just the facts, but don't really know what I should be aiming at! Please help! My brains not really working on full power at the moment as my mum is only days away from dying. Thanks.

HappySad

busiscoming2 - I am so sorry that your mother is dying. You need this time to be there for your family at this important time. My thoughts are with you.

I am no expert & I too am applying for my son to get into first choice school & will know in 1month if I get my 1st choice..... anyway. When I applied I supplied a full copy of the school Ofsted report with a cover sheet. This report also had highlighted sections (using a parker pen) with detail comments about each section. I then wrote with partner a two page letter stating why first school was more suitable, referring again to the Ofsted report. I also had a letter from my hospital consultant to support my application.

This is your child's future and the more that you can put in to support your argument the better....this is an non expert opinion, so please check with the other experts on this thread

Hope this helps