Angry And Upset

[tiggerblue10]

On 16 April I received news that my son had been accepted to my first choice of school which was a relief after the long stressful wait. The school would be a brand new school opening in September 14 and he would be one of up to 90 children to start reception there. Premises had been located at an existing nursery surrounded by extensive playing fields, where temporary classrooms would be built whilst permanent building works would be carried out.

Yesterday morning I received a phone call from the founder of the school advising that the planning permission for the temporary building had fallen through and that all children who had been admitted had lost their place at the school which would now not be opening until Sept. 15.

I am so upset by this turn of events. I have emailed the development department of my council and my MP about my concerns. When I contacted the council yesterday they said that they are looking at all schools in the area to find places for my son and the other children. The 5 other schools I put down as my preferences are completely full and will not take on any more children. I am now faced with the prospect of my son being placed a school not of my choosing.

As I said I have emailed the council and my MP. What else can I do?

[DaisyNonna]

Are you sure Rocky?

[rockyracoon]

Not totally Daisy, that's why I said if the law has changed, it was the case when my kids started school but they're teenagers now.

[tiggerblue10]

Just found this on the CAB website:

Compulsory school age

Starting school

In England, most local authorities have a policy of accepting children into school at the beginning of the term during which the child becomes five. However, the child does not have to attend school until the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday.

In Northern Ireland, a child who is four years old on or before 1 July in any year must start primary school on 1 September that year.

In England, from the school year beginning September 2011, local authorities must accept children into primary school in the September following the child's fourth birthday. However, parents may request that their child does not start school until later in the year or until reaching compulsory school age. A parent will also be able to request that a child attends school part-time until compulsory school age.

[DaisyNonna]

My grand daughter's birthday is 30th August. She started school a few days later, aged 4.

[rockyracoon]

This from .gov

"Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16."

[black_cat51]

reading your article, i can't really see how it's the council's fault. Even in March it seemed unlikely PP would be granted

[black_cat51]

sorry, btw i see my answer doesn't look all that sympathetic - i really am! I just think you are directing your anger in the wrong direction

[pixie373]

That's a shocking thing to do- to allow parents to apply for something that isn't definite. You could wait until after his 5th birthday - would he get a place then? And continue with preschool until then. Not ideal, i know.

[tiggerblue10]

Black_cat, I probably wasn't thinking straight at the time when I directed the complaint to the planning department. I was so angry that I thought I could try and get the Councillors to look at the application again and agree to it. But, who am I to make something that at happen. I am a nobody!

Anyway, my son has now been accepted into my 5th choice school which I guess is something to be thankful for. At least he has a place now. I'm still angry at the fact that the council allowed the school to be entered onto the list to choose from when they knew there were major uncertainties about the venue and planning permission. Had I known, I would not have chosen that school and he would have had a chance of getting my 2nd or 3rd choice of school.

[sunny-dave]

I missed this earlier in the week - but have arrived in time for the (sort of) reasonably happy ending.

I'm not surprised you were/are angry and upset - I'd be spitting tacks.

If the new school does eventually open in a year or so, will your son be able to transfer?

I moved schools a couple of times between the ages of 5 and 7 and it didn't seem to do me any harm - plus he'd be joining at the same time as everyone else, rather than being 'the new boy'.

Dave xx

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Dave x

they are planning to try again and open in Sept. 15 but as it will start from reception age he will be too old. They want to start if from reception so they will only have one year in attendance at first and then work there way up each year.