Date: 14th March 2006
Released by: ANDREW TURNER

Parents whose children have not been offered a place at the school of their choice have been reminded to ensure that appeals are sent to the IW Council by this Friday, 17th March.

Island MP Andrew Turner said

“I have been approached by several constituents whose children have been allocated their second or third choice schools and in some cases, a school not listed as a choice at all. I know how disappointing this can be. But it is not necessarily the end of the road. It is possible to appeal against refusal of a place at the school of your choice.

“If you want to appeal it is vital to send your appeals form or a letter to the Council by Friday. That entitles you to put your child’s circumstances before an appeals panel. It is important to list as many reasons as possible why your child should attend the school of your choice. The appeals process does not guarantee a place but it does provide an opportunity to put their case to an impartial panel.

“The Council’s new 50p bus fare will make travel to the school of choice, outside the normal catchment area, more affordable. So although in the past few parents have had their appeals upheld, there is now an even better reason to appeal.”

If parents require any further advice or information the Advisory Centre for Education, www.ace-ed.org.uk has a downloadable booklet at the cost of £1 which offers a comprehensive guide to parents on the appeals process.

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Contact: Andrew Turner 01983 530808