School appeals - help offered

dragon1964

hayleyjg wrote: »

I work for an local authority in the school admissions team and have many years experience of school appeals (both admissions and exclusions) so if anyone has any questions I would be happy to help.

Hi I don't know if you can help me . i applied for three schools for my granddaughter who i have a residence order for and has lived with me since 2007 . she was put in my care with her brother and removed from her parental home for reason that i would not wish to put in this email . but they were quite serious and I will leave it to your imagination . both children have not seen this parent for over 4 yrs . we did not get one of our three schools and i was under the impression that as a ( L A C ) LOOKED AFTER CHILD she should get priority.I really could do with some useful tips when going to appeal. the school we was given was not one of our three and is an area frequented by the parent who no longer see's the children and this parent hangs around with some really undesirable people . but the school we was given is the closest to us but is totally unsuitable . please has anyone got any tips , i am getting so stressed about this . i also sent a letter declining the school that we was offered to us .people keep telling me i should of accepted the place , but why would i accept a place at a school i don't want my granddaughter to go to.

Spendless

dragon1964 - a local authority looked after child, is the 1st criteria where I live and you'd get in your first choice school. It comes above catchment where I am.

What was the criteria order for the schools of your choice?

Did you have to submit evidence that you were applying for a place for a looked after child?

tiny_courageous

Dragon, if your granddaughter is on a residence order she is no longer LAC.

Spendless

dragon1964 wrote: »

i also sent a letter declining the school that we was offered to us .people keep telling me i should of accepted the place , but why would i accept a place at a school i don't want my granddaughter to go to.

I should imagine they are saying it as you now risk a place at a school even more dire than the one you have refused. I've just looked up my letter of acceptance for my daughter's application and it tells me that I am to contact them if I don't want the place at the school given and let them know what you are doing about your child's education.

What did you say you were going to do?

Dustykitten

tiny_courageous wrote: »

Dragon, if your granddaughter is on a residence order she is no longer LAC.

Under the new guidelines I don't think that applies as it now covers previously looked after children (or as they are now commonly referred to CLAs rather than LACs)

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/admissions/ad-guidance/main-admissions-round/ad-plac.htm

Dragon when you applied for the places can you remember under which criteria you was applying? Did you have to tick a box?

Please try not to get too stressed yet. I am sure there will be people on here who can help you.

Lexiee

Dragon, see point 1.28 in the school admission code 2012 (can't post a link sorry just google it)
I would call them and ask in the first instance, followed up by recorded delivery letter/email.

Lexiee

I just wanted to pick your brains guys. So I'm preparing for our appeal and trying to get together all the info to show that prejudice wouldn't be caused.

The school is increasing it's PAN from 22 to 30 from sept 15. They're doing this by building another classroom, no other modifications are mentioned in the proposal.

At the minute there are 4 classbases containing

Reception
Y1/y2
Y2/y3
Y3/y4

I'm thinking about arguing that if the receipt ion class is kept separate then y1-4 (120 pupils) will be split between 4 class bases at 30 pupils each. If they're not being modified then they should be sufficient enough already for extra pupils.

What do you think? I've asked the admission authority for the indicated admission number so will see if they reply.

Dustykitten

Lexiee AFAIK decisions can only be made on the current situation. Even once the PAN is increased any applications to previous years are usually dependant upon the PAN as it was at time of first admission to that year group. Different counties may have different rules though.

Lexiee

Sorry I didn't make myself clear. I mean, I want to be able to say to them that if they're happy to have 30 pupils in those classrooms next year then they can't claim prejudice by admitting one extra this year surely?

balletshoes

Lexiee wrote: »

Sorry I didn't make myself clear. I mean, I want to be able to say to them that if they're happy to have 30 pupils in those classrooms next year then they can't claim prejudice by admitting one extra this year surely?

if they don't intend staffing for the extra PAN, nor having the extra classroom in place, until September 2015, then they are still working on the current 22 in September 2014, and presumably thats all they will staff for.