All parents of young children will know that the time to start school comes around sooner than you think. If your son or daughter is due to start during the 2009/2010 school year then the application for a primary school place has to be made by the end of January. For some there are no worries about securing a place at the preferred school but for others, waiting to hear about your application can be a time of great anxiety and if you are unsuccessful what can you do?
If your child is not allocated your first choice of school you will be sent information about the appeal procedure. At first glance this can seem off putting and may seem worse after you’ve heard accounts from other parents who have been through the process without success. With thorough preparation and good presentation however you can increase your chances of success.
The admission authority will give brief reasons for the refusal of a place in the first choice of school in their initial letter. When you submit the formal appeal it is helpful to provide as much information as possible about the reasons for your choice of school together with any supporting material, perhaps a letter from your child’s nursery or pre -school. The admission authority will set a date for hearing by an independent panel and will send you a more detailed statement of the authority’s case for refusing the application. Scrutinize this statement and see which of the objections you can answer. Ensure you have visited your preferred school and the school you have been allocated, check distances if that is an issue, read the OFSTED report, speak to parents who already have children at your chosen school, find out as much information as possible.
Do attend the panel hearing, you can have someone with you if you wish and you may be professionally represented if you choose. Be prepared to add further information don’t just rely on what you have already sent in and be ready to answer questions!
The appeal result is binding on you, the authority and the school. With advice and preparation it more likely to be the result you hope for.
To discuss this matter further contact Tanya Thomas on 01473 298146 or email her at tanya.thomas@gotelee.co.uk