Milton Keynes Parent Partnership Service

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School Choice Advice

What is School Choice Advice?

In Milton Keynes the School Choice Adviser is based in the Parent Partnership Service. Choice Advice is free, impartial advice and information for parents who have children in years 5 and 6. It is for families who want support through the process of deciding which school is best for their child and applying for a secondary school place.

The Choice Adviser can provide realistic advice about school preferences and advise on the SEN provision within schools. There is help for parents to understand the school admissions and appeal hearing processes which can at times be daunting. Importantly, the service is there to provide clear and understandable information.

What information about schools can the Choice Adviser provide?

It may be that you have recently moved into Milton Keynes and are unfamiliar with the area. You might need help with completing the application form or perhaps English is not your first language.

How will this support be provided?

What can the Choice Adviser not do?

The Choice Adviser cannot offer or guarantee places at a particular school. The Choice Adviser cannot influence the allocation process or take a decision on behalf of a family. The Choice Adviser cannot recommend one school over another.

The Choice Adviser can offer advice and guidance via the helpline and email on the appeal process and how to prepare a Parental Case for an Appeal Hearing. For parents who are experiencing significant difficulties it may be possible for the Choice Adviser to accompany the parent to the Appeal Hearing and support in the presenting of a Parental Case.

Contact Details:

Jane Cliff - Choice Adviser
School Choice Advice: 01908 253514
(9.30-1pm Monday - Friday, term time only)
Email: choiceadvice@mkparents.org

Drop-in Sessions

If you would like to attend one of these sessions to discuss your concerns, please call or email Jane to book a place (see contact details above)

School Choice Advice Leaflets and Factsheets

School Choice Advice Links

Choice Advice Documents

School Choice Advice FAQ

School Admissions

  • When will I hear about my child's secondary school place?

    For children transferring schools at 11+, notification of school allocations will be issued on 1st March, 2010.

  • What should I do if I want my child to be considered for a different school to the one that has been allocated?

    You must confirm in writing or by email stating your reasons to:

    Pupil Support Section
    Learning & Development
    Saxon Court
    502 Avebury Boulevard
    Milton Keynes MK9 3HS
    Email: Education@milton-keynes.gov.uk
    Tel: 01908 253 489

    Your request will be considered in the following round of admissions. If it is not possible to allocate a place you have the right of appeal.

  • I live very near to the school I want my child to attend - do I still have to complete an application form?

    Yes, it is VERY IMPORTANT that every child has an application form stating school preferences for secondary education completed and submitted by the deadline.

  • When is the deadline for my child's application for secondary education?

    The form must be completed and handed back to your child's primary school or submitted online by 5pm on MONDAY, 2ND NOVEMBER 2009.

  • What happens if I miss the deadline for the completion of my child's application form for secondary education?

    Any applications received after the closing date of 5pm on 1st November will be classed as late and will only be considered after those received on time. In very exceptional circumstances late applications may be considered alongside all those received on time.

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School Admission Appeals

  • What is an Appeal Hearing?

    An appeal is your chance to explain to an independent panel of people (usually three) why you think the wrong decision has been made.

  • I can't decide whether or not to appeal, what do I need to think about?

    It may be helpful to consider:

    The school's policy for admitting pupils (see LA's Admissions booklet and school's website/prospectus)

    Your reasons for wanting your child to attend the school and the strength of your case

  • At what stage can I appeal against my child's school place?

    As soon as you hear about your child's school place and you are unhappy with this decision, you can request information about the independent appeal procedure from:

    Pupil Support Section
    Learning & Development
    Saxon Court
    502 Avebury Boulevard
    Milton Keynes MK9 3HS
    Email:Education@milton-keynes.gov.uk
    Tel: 01908 253 489

    You may find it helpful to look at the following leaflets providing school admission appeal information on the Parent Partnership Service website:

    Related Documents

  • When do the appeal forms have to be returned by and where do I send them?

    When you receive news of your child's secondary school place (1st March, 2010) and you subsequently make the decision to appeal against this decision, you will need to submit your forms within 14 days of the date of the letter you receive at that time.

    The forms need to be returned to:

    Education Appeals
    Democratic Services Division
    Civic Offices
    1 Saxon Gate East
    Milton Keynes MK9 3HG

  • Do I have to send my supporting evidence with the forms or can I submit this later?

    The Panel Clerk is required to send out appeal papers to parents, the presenting officer (for school or local authority) and the panel members at least 7 working days before the hearing. Evidence can be submitted after you have sent in your appeal forms, however, it is advised that this is no later than 3 days before the hearing to allow the panel members sufficient time to consider the additional evidence. It is also possible to produce a short document that can be easily considered by the panel members on the day of the hearing. However, it is important to bear in mind that if this last minute evidence is significant, the panel may require an adjournment to allow them time to consider the information. The admission authority may also need time to respond to this last minute evidence.

  • Who arranges an appeal?

    For community and voluntary-controlled schools in Milton Keynes the council's Democratic Services Division arranges the admission appeal hearings. This is because the local authority is the admissions authority for these schools and therefore has the responsibility for school admissions.

    For foundation and voluntary-aided schools the governing bodies are responsible for admissions and organising independent appeal panel hearings. However, the Democratic Services Division do organise appeals on behalf of the governing bodies of some of the foundation and voluntary-aided schools. The council will write and advise you of what the arrangements will be for the school you are appealing to.

  • Who sits on the appeal panel?

    The appeal panels are independent of the council. Members are drawn from a list of people, many of whom have an interest or experience in education locally. Training is provided to members so that they have an understanding of the legislation and local policies relating to school admissions in Milton Keynes. Panels usually have three or five members and will not include anyone who has previously been involved in an individual case or have links with the particular schools.

  • Can I appeal more than once to a school?

    You can only apply and appeal to a school once within an academic year unless your circumstances change significantly since your first application. You can, however, appeal to more than one school.

  • What if my child's or our family circumstances have changed since my first application/appeal to a school?

    You can approach the school to see if they will consider a further application for a place for your child. If they agree to you applying again and this second application is unsuccessful, you then have the right to appeal again.

  • How can the Choice Adviser support me with a school admission appeal?

    The Choice Adviser (CA) can provide information about schools, admissions, the appeals process etc. In Milton Keynes the CA can offer support (telephone/email) to help you prepare your parental case for the appeal. On occasions it may be appropriate for the CA to accompany you to the appeal and in cases of real difficulty support with the presentation of the parental case.

  • How long does an appeal last?

    This will vary depending on the circumstances of an appeal but for straight forward appeals without adjournments for example, an hour is ample time to allow for the appeal.

  • An appeal hearing sounds quite scary - what is it like?

    An appeal hearing is, of course, an official procedure but it is not a court of law! The appeal panel Chairperson will be friendly and courteous and do his/her best to make you feel at ease. The panel members usually sit behind a desk at the rear of the room and the parent, presenting officer for the school/local authority and the clerk sit behind desks in front and to the side of the panel members. The Panel Clerk will tell when you are needed and where to sit and will also do his/her best to calm any nerves you may be feeling.

  • Should I take my child to the appeal?

    It is not necessary for your child to attend and it is advisable not bring any younger children with you as they may be distract you during the appeal.

  • When do I hear the decision of the appeal panel - is it the same day?

    No, they do not tell you their decision straight away. The Panel Clerk will usually send you details in the post of the panel's decision within 7 days of the hearing.

  • If the CA is unavailable, is there anyone else who can help?

    The Advisory Centre for Education offers advice on admission appeals (free advice line - 0808 800 5793 | www.ace-ed.org.uk)

    Related Documents

  • What if my appeal is unsuccessful?

    The Advisory Centre for Education offers the following advice:

    - Only about a third of parents win their appeal, so try not to be too negative about other schools when you talk to your child.

    - You could ask that your child is put on a waiting list but children can move down waiting lists if others apply to the school who have greater priority.

    - If you are not successful, you do not have to send your child to any school allocated to you, but you must make sure that your child is at a school or taught at home.

    - If your situation changes significantly you may be able to reapply, and if refused, to appeal again.

    - If you feel that the appeal was unfairly run, you may be able to take this further by complaining to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) about maladministration. The LGO cannot overrule the panel’s decision but can recommend a new appeal. This may not change the situation for your child.

    - Parents sometimes hear of a case “just like ours” that was successful, but remember all cases are different.

    Related Documents

  • How do I contact the Local Government Ombudsman?

    If you need any help – call the LGO Advice Team on 0300 061 0614 or 0845 602 1983. Look out the LGO website:
    www.lgo.org.uk/making-a-complaint

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