School advice needed please Post Reply

[Worriedworm]

I was wondering if anyone can help advise me having either been in our position, or has any experience of it.
Due to the current pandemic, my husband has lost his job (the company he worked for is about to fold) and I’ve been furloughed but may lose mine as well. The bottom line is that we can no longer afford private education for our three children. They currently attend Dulwich schools, our eldest at Dulwich College and the other two at Alleyns.
We are not able to commit to any more school fees due to our very uncertain financial position and don’t have any parents who can help financially on a temporary basis.
So we are facing possibly having to keep them home until we can find a state option - but I’m feeling very worried and quite overwhelmed about how on earth I’d cope with working through a curriculum X 3 (we would be able to afford a tutor here and there with the huge school fee savings). Does anyone know of state schools that we could apply for and hope to get into? Thanks so much for any help that anyone can offer us.

[Pud1]

It’s tough for you. Where abouts are you? Your first port of call will be the local authority for advice. They’ll be able to tell you which schools have places in the year groups you want. There are lots of really good state schools locally. 

[Worriedworm]

Ok thank you. I didn’t know you could ask them for a list of schools that have places? I’m in Clapham. Do you go on the Gov website? I can’t seem to find my local contact on this

[2009Kat]

It’ll be on the Lambeth council website if you’re in Clapham. Look for something like in year admissions. I suspect that transfers may be suspended for the moment while the schools are out but may be worth you looking anyway and into the process. The site is unlikely to tell you where there is space but will tell you process and what to do. You’ll probably need to call/message the council to find out where there is space.
Id also speak to the Dulwich schools. You never know if they can help in any way.
Good luck, sounds very tough for a

[Pud1]

You would need to speak to pupil services at Lambeth Council. All these departments are still working so transfer is certainly possible at the moment.

[Buddybear]

I would speak to the schools your children currently attend to see if you could make use of their hardship fund in the short term. 

As others have said, speak to your local authority regarding school spaces.  Wandsworth/lambeth normally have high rates of people moving out of the boroughs every year so spaces seem to become available more often than outside London.  Maybe speak to friends with children at different schools as some schools have different strengths. I would imagine the departments are pretty short-staffed and under pressure but they would be able to give you good advice.  Secondary schools don't need to keep to the tight ratios like primary schools so they may have more flexibility.

I would also look at getting some financial advice in terms of assets you have, whether it will be possible to find alternative employment in the short-term and other potential options.  

I hope it all goes well for you, and I don't think you are alone in this situation.  

[Gutsypigeon]

Hi I don’t know if you have tried asking the schools directly for help. DC are quite generous. I feel your stress and I’m wishing you all the best.

[Worriedworm]

Thanks so much everyone I really appreciate the advice

[coldatchristmas]

So sorry to hear of your situation. It must be very stressful. With regards the state system 
I think that you are probably looking for something like the below link.

https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/schools-a ... transfers/

As a few people have said I would also suggest speaking to the individual schools that your children are in. They will have hardship funds set up for situations like this. 

Best of luck with everything going forward.

[Starr]

Our childs school has vowed to help those financially hit by the coronavirus as much as possible. Do hope they help - especially for your eldest. Best of luck!

[Worriedworm]

Thanks so much coldatchriatmas, that’s just the link I was trying to find! Much appreciated everyone for your kind advice

[SWtastic]

@Worriedworm  Have PM'd you.

[Happy Valley]

I’d move quickly if I were you, and get on the waiting lists as soon as you can, as there will be others in the same situation.
I live in Clapham too. The more popular secondaries tend to be a bit further away - Graveney, Dunraven, Chestnut Grove, Ashcroft etc. They are all very popular and hugely over-subscribed at entry year. As others have said, call them to see how long their mid-year waiting lists are to judge whether you have any chance of getting in

[Fullerwoo12]

Please do speak to Dulwich College and Alleyns! I know that DC for one are inviting applications for their new Corona Hardship Fund from precisely people in your position!
As a child my parents were in the same position and the schools were very keen not to lose pupils in this way. Even if it’s for the short term, I’m sure they will help out. It’s nothing to be ashamed of at all!

[Mumof3Balham]

Dear Worriedworm. I can totally understand your dilemma and do have first hand experience of moving children mid year with state schools. The advice to date is right in terms of contacting local authorities although I expect that communication will be slow - I did it a different way and it worked for me. If you want to PM me happy to chat. I have chidden at independent and state schools and live in Wandsworth - happy to pass on all I know.
For each of your children I would approach the schools you like most - either in Wandsworth or Lambeth or further afield - there are some central London state schools with specific criteria that you might meet. Places at primary are generally easier the older the kids are - most schools have places in years 4-6 as families have moved away faster than new ones come in. Ask them if they have places (the emails for the head teachers are on their websites. They can then help you with the paperwork or point you in the right place. The longest part of the process is the LA finding if the school is willing to take your child. If you have been in touch with the school then you short cut that. 
Secondary schools is where you need to make sure you choose the right one - my middle child is at Graveney - and they had a new child joined just before easter so places do come up and are available. 
As someone else said do try the school bursary funds - but I would imagine they are swamped at the moment - and if you have a house worth a few £ they normally expect you to sell it first.....that's what happened to a friend of mine - so they moved to a lower price area and then the school agreed to pay half the fees......
As I say more than happy to share more detail if you PM. Good luck.