How Do I Stand Legally With Changing Child’S School?

[KAlan]

My daughter is 13 years old and for the past two years, having moved away from the area her school is based in, have been travelling a 45 minute drive to keep her at the school she was settled. For many reasons I am no longer able to afford to do this, car is on its last legs and can’t afford repairs and fuel costs are £240 per month. The school she currently attends is second rate to one that is just up the road from where we live now. I have explained to my daughter the situation and although she would like to stay where she is she understands why we need to do this. However since her father (my ex husband) was notified he is encouraging her to stay at current school, but not really offering any real alternative to me running the car in to the ground. He intends to take me to court over this but first we will attend mediation. How can a court enforce this if I absolutely can’t afford it, and how do I get her to school with a broken car I cannot fix?

[Tuvok]

Surely she will now have changed schools anyway - going from Primary to Secondary?

[cassa333]

It’s quite easy to change schools. Someone I know did it.

What you have to do first is find out if the school has any places though as there’s no point making an issue if there aren’t.

[pixie374]

I would just register at the school you want her to go to. You don't need permission for it.

[Bobbisox1]

Sounds like the long knives are out for you , but ton take someone to court because they've changed a child's school? Basically the Court should say No way

[carrot99]

You need to get your daughter on the waiting list for your local school. Tomorrow phone the school or your local authority to find out how to apply to the local school. When your daughter is offered a place at the new school, you inform her current school of the date she'll be leaving and which school she's going to. It's very simple my grandchildren have both attended 3 different primary schools as my daughter has moved about. It's your responsibility to get your daughter to school and no court would expect you to drive 45 mins when you live by a better school. Your ex husband can always start driving your daughter to and from school if he prefers.
Your daughter will benefit from a local school, she'll be there and back faster, she'll be able to do after school clubs as there'll be more time and she'll have local friends.

Your car might even last a bit longer too.

[KAlan]

She is already registered and has a place at the new local school, I just don’t understand how it can be taken to court and what the outcome could be. Sadly I cannot discuss anything with my two girls father as it results in nothing but a barrage of abuse.

[Bobbisox1]

Keep calm and say to him This is what's happening, is he a control freak by any chance?

[KAlan]

I don’t want to turn this into a *** off of my ex husband, however, he has a conviction of assault on me, for criminal damage to a neighbours car, convicted for drink driving, a ban from cricket for head butting the umpire. I had to go through CMS to get any financial help for our daughters after a year of him refusing and for that very reason he absolutely throws it in my face that he makes life as difficult as possible. But the girls love their dad and it’s not up to me to dissuade their love. Rock and hard place.

[Bobbisox1]

I understand , sorry but he sounds a bully and the only way with bullies is to stand up to them, you don't need a confrontation just a this is what I'm doing for my our daughter()s If he reacts then let the powers that be deal with him, he appears to have a hold over you that he can do all the things you say but whatever you do,Don't tell the children?

[meglet]

Can he actually afford to take you to court, or is it just an empty threat? If it’s the latter then let him spend his money on a wasted exercise. What you are planning to do is reasonable for the reasons mentioned above and a judge would see that.

[KAlan]

I’m actually seeking advice from somebody who knows about law and can give me some advice as to my posting. I did post it in the ‘law’ category. Thank you to those who have responded though. Just looking for a more knowledgeable reply.

[Smowball]

That’s mad - you cannot possibly be expected to do that ridiculous drive every day! I’m guessing that she never had school friends over for that very reason as well. Just move her!

[ladybirder]

It doesn't look as if anyone with knowledge of the law has responded to your question. A word with the CAB could put you on the right track and won't cost you anything. Good luck.