the wait goes on

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john m

the wait goes on

Post by john m »

just heard from the horses mouth- lincolnshire appeals are not likely to be heard before the first week in june and may even drag on to the beginning of july.
Sally-Anne
Posts: 9235
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire

Post by Sally-Anne »

Hi John

Yes, this is a problem across the country with appeals. In Bucks the LEA have done what they can to improve matters, as there were cases a few years ago of children not knowing which school they were going to in the last week of the summer holiday! They have managed to drag the end of the process back to July now, which has helped.

Sally-Anne
Bo Peep
Posts: 144
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:04 am

Post by Bo Peep »

How does this affect places? Presumably the closer to September that your appeal takes place the more likely they are to not have places and be less inclined to grant appeals?

I am beginning to feel that we have a very good case as far as academic evidence goes, and a reasonable case as far as extenuating circumstances go, and that we may be able to present our case fairly well - BUT the school is still going to be oversubscribed and they will have their full quota by then. If we get through this bit and they are still listening to us, our fight is going to be to prove the balance of prejudice. I have no idea how to do that. :cry:
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Bo Peep wrote:How does this affect places? Presumably the closer to September that your appeal takes place the more likely they are to not have places and be less inclined to grant appeals?
The appeal against non-qualification should not be influenced by whether or not places are available.
Bo Peep wrote:If we get through this bit and they are still listening to us, our fight is going to be to prove the balance of prejudice. I have no idea how to do that. :cry:
You simply have to give reasons for needing a place at the oversubscribed school. It's the panel that has to "balance the prejudice", weighing up the strength of your case for admission on the one hand, and the school's case for refusal on the other.

Hope this helps
Etienne
Bo Peep
Posts: 144
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:04 am

Post by Bo Peep »

It does Etienne, thank you.
Guest

the wait goes on

Post by Guest »

had a letter back this am from lincs acknowledging receipt of our appeal papers.
Etienne , if you pick up this thread, we used your template for the basis of the appeal letter but for the actual hearing we've put together a lot of information re not only academic evidence and extenuating circumstances but also facts relating to how her academic and social welfare will undoubtedly suffer at the alternative school. we intend to use this info in support of the other evidence as a bolster to the appeal. I fully realise that the main thrust must come from academic evidence and extenuating circumstances but do not feel that broadening the appeal to cover the other items would do any harm.
Any comments please?
Thanks.

John M
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: the wait goes on

Post by Etienne »

Dear John M

My advice would be not to overdo it!

I think your question relates to the "oversubscription" part of the Lincs process. (Academic evidence and extenuating circumstances will hopefully get you through the "qualification" part - nothing else matters there.)

When it comes to oversubscription, in my experience panels would generally be looking for positive reasons for the school you are appealing for, rather than negative reasons against the school allocated.

I understand the point you're making with regard to the "prejudice to the child", but I think the question the panel will really want to focus on is "Why this school in particular?"

Best wishes
Etienne
john m

the wait goes on

Post by john m »

thanks for that. I take your point about the positives for the GS rather than the neagatives of the sec. mod.
My daughter's real strengths lie within music and performing arts and her self confidence and academic progression have grown greatly as a result of the success she has enjoyed within these fields.
The GS to which we are trying to get her has just been awarded specialist status in performing arts and are introducing drama across ks 3 from September. In their bid document they state that they will be able to demonstrate that they can improve the academic achievements of their students by helping them to express themselves better and build their self confidence through performing arts. I am sure my own child ,by virtue of her not inconsiderable skills in this area , would thrive in this environment and that the school could add huge value to her educationally.

Any further thoughts??

Regards,

John M
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Post by Etienne »

Dear John M

Being able to match your daughter's strengths to the specialist status is a definite plus. I assume that you have already submitted, or will be submitting, evidence of her success in music and performing arts?

Good luck
Etienne
JOHN M

Post by JOHN M »

YES WE HAVE. SHE HAS HAD VERY POSITIVE REPORTS FROM THE DRAMA SCHOOL SHE ATTENDS . WITHOUT WISHING TO SOUND IN ANY WAY A PUSHY PARENT , THE SCHOOL PRINCIPLE HAS GONE ON RECORD AS SAYING THAT SHE HAS "GREAT NATURAL ABILITY AND TALENT" AND THAT THEY HAVE SEEN HER CONFIDENCE GROW BY DEGREES SINCE SHE TOOK UP ACTING A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.
WE HAVE COPIED ALL THESE REPORTS OF HER ACHIEVEMENTS TO TO APPEALS ADMINISTRATOR

THANKS,
JOHN M.
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