Parents in tears as children miss out on Darlaston school place
Dozens of parents were left angry – with some in tears – because their children were turned down for a place at a school in Darlaston.
Nearly 100 families applied for one of only 45 places available at Old Church Primary School, and Councillor Doug James said that there has been a lot of disappointment.
He said: "I have had parents in tears and expressing their anger with the disappointment that they cannot get a place at a local 'good' rated school.
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"Several of the parents have been offered places at Kings Hill School, which is rated as requires improvement by Ofsted. I will be organising a meeting for all disappointed parents and carers to take action on the rejections.
"This is an appalling indictment of Walsall's education services, where more than 50 families have been rejected.
"We will support them with appeals, but we have to take the challenge into why there's no investment in good schools."
Jody Pilgrim, a 24-year-old nursery nurse, was one of the parents who was left disappointed. Her three-year-old son, Archie, will not be getting into the school.
She said: "I feel horribly angry. I want the best for my son. Old Church offers everything, he goes to the nursery there.
"Parents will understand the heartache of sending your child somewhere that's not right. I take my hat off to the nursery teacher for helping my son settle in, and I dread the reaction he'll have moving him somewhere he won't be comfortable with."
Kate Mann, school admissions and pupil place planning at Walsall Council said: "Primary school admissions procedures in Walsall are set against published admissions criteria. The policy in the borough is clearly signposted and the process of how to make preferences is well explained.
"The very small number of children who could not be offered any of their parents preferred schools have been offered a place at the closest school to their home address with places available.
"Parents who wish to appeal against any school admission decision should follow the instructions on the information sheet sent with their offer letter, or contact the Admissions and Pupil Place Planning Team for assistance."
The meeting, chaired by Councillor James, will be held at Ralph Bailey House on School Street on April 27 from 11.30am. Call him on 0121 531 8260, or email cllr.doug.james@walsall.gov.uk
Were you left disappointed that you didnt get the school you wanted for your child? Call 01902 319 410.
