Non-feeder school

[Meg888]

Could anyone advise what my chances are of getting my child into a secondary school which for which her primary school is not on the feeder list for; We are not moving, but we are in the borough for the school I want. She has suffered at the hands of bullies lately (which I hope is now sorted - the teachers did a lot of stuff just before the holidays), but she also has a statement of special needs but attends a state school; the bullies will not let her forget the problems she endured first starting school, hence I dont want her going to any school they attend. The school I have in mind is a good school, which does well on paper but I'm a little worried she may get not get in if they know she has a Statement. She is not ready for secondary school until Sept 2008 - any advice will be much appreciated.

[kags]

Most schools have to take children whose Statement of SEN names that school, as their first priority, even before feeder schools, catchment areas etc. Check the school's admissions policy, and this is the case, you need to start speaking to the Local Authority to get the school named in your daughter's statement. I would also speak to the school itself, to make sure it is the right place for your daughter - I have a daughter with SEN, and although our local High School has a wonderful academic record, and our son is about to start there, it is totally the wrong place for my daughter,so I shall be looking elsewhere for her.

[kags]

ps - the best palce to start is with the Ed Psych, if your daughter has one - they usually represent the Local Authority at the Statement review meetings and seem to hold a lot of sway. I am sure that you will get support in the circumstances. Good luck.