School offer

[Fly]

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[clux]

Oh god, that's terrible. What reason did they give?? There are some very helpful admissions experts on the primary education section of mumsnet who are always happy to give advice.

[Otta]

Is this a public or state school?

[monniemae]

Did they saywhy? Did they make an alternative offer? I know that when it has beendown to administrative error parents have successfully had the offer reinstated. Check mumsnet.

Last year or year before Lewisham made a massive balls up of loads of places at once school - St James Hatcham I think - which was set to have a knock on effect but the parents challenged it.

[duchessofdulwich]

Thats terrible never knew they could do that ?

[Fly]

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[Otta]

Have you been in touch with Southwark's special; educational needs team?

I work for the newham version, and there is often mix up because the "pupil services" team allocate all the school places, but they sometimes don't realise that there are additional needs.

[Fly]

The head of social services for disabilities was one of those who wrote her letters

[macutd]

Might it be that, on review, they are planning to offer your daughter a place at your first choice school and communicated this - late in the day - to Elm Wood, but haven't managed to communicate to you yet? And of course now it's the bank holiday communication will be sorely limited until Tuesday. How frustrating & upsetting for you.

Is Elm Wood Lambeth?

[Fly]

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[Otta]

Fly Wrote:

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> The head of social services for disabilities was

> one of those who wrote her letters

This doesn't necessarily mean anything when it comes to education (it should, but that's a different matter). Social Care and Education are two separate directorates, with their own budgets. Those that hold the purse strings in education do not like to be told how to spend their money by social care, there is often a silly "us and them" vibe going on (I'm from a social care background, but now I've found myself in education I'm shocked how much of this I see).

So on Tuesday please contact the SEN Team and chat to them. I'm not so sure a school can tell you they have no place when that place has been allocated by the local authority. But what sometimes happens is that a school will say they can't meet a chil'd needs (is there a statement?). In a case like this, the LA will need to find you a suitable school place.

Really sorry to hear you're having to deal with this stress, but I think you'll be able to sort it. Just keep on at them, they hate that.

[Fly]

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[simonethebeaver]

Fly, what a really stressful situation. We've also had lots of dealings with SEN issues and the Children with Disabilities team and can confirm that not only do they not always work together, but can in fact be in conflict with each other. I highly recommend taking this to your local councillors in the first instance. They will go straight to the council bosses and hopefully find out very quickly what is going on. PM if I can be any more help.

[monniemae]

Not much comfort given the huge stress they've caused you but sounds like you have good grounds for appeal at boyh schools.

[Fly]

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[Renata Hamvas]

Hi Fly,

sorry that you're in such a difficult position. It may be that the place has been withdrawn as the social/medical need application was successful and you now have a place at your first choice school. I'm happy to take your case up with Southwark admissions, was your first choice a Southwark school?

please pm, call or email me.

Renata

[Fly]

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[Renata Hamvas]

Hi Fly, I've had a lengthy conversation with Lewisham admissions. I will contact you directly about you s/m application. Southwark and Lewisham are in direct contact about your situation and I'm confident that a suitable solution will be found soon.

Renata

[Fly]

T