Well, it’s almost here. #national offer day. In just 2 days’ time you will receive notification of the secondary school place allocated to your child. Hopefully it will be the first on your list but if it’s not what can you do?
1. DON’T PANIC!! Perhaps the school you have been allocated requires a little more investigation/research. Maybe this is not a bad thing after all?
2. APPEAL! You will be given a deadline by which your appeal against the Local Education Authority must be received. Do Not Miss The Deadline! If you request an appeal and then change your mind later, just call the admissions authority and let them know. It’s better to register your appeal and retract it later than miss the deadline!
3. GET SOME HELP! The appeals process is complicated and you have to collate a great deal of information prior to your hearing. The hearing is not simply a case of turning up and stating that it’s not fair. You must have knowledge of PAN numbers, capacity and prejudice. If you think you may need help with your appeal please let me know. I can help you with various aspects of the process, from explaining what will happen, assistance with drafting statements of appeal or even attending the hearing for you as your representative.
Our children mean everything to us. How we help them now not only shapes their future but ours too. They are, after all the leaders of the future, the parents of the future and the workforce of the future. Our children’s education is integral to the journey they will take, to the future they will have. If we strive for the best now we will reap the benefit in years to come.
