This article was first published in April 2020
It can be disappointing when your child doesn’t get a place at your first choice of primary school. Parent and social media blogger Nilly Dahlia has been there, and she has some tips on what to do if it happens to you.
Nilly’s tips
If you don’t get the primary school place you wanted, don’t panic - stay positive for your child.
Accept the place you’ve been offered, even if you don’t want your child to attend that school.
Research your options and take another look at the school you’ve been offered a place at. Have you got up-to-date information about how it’s performing and whether other families are happy there?
If you still want to appeal your school place, manage your own expectations. Appeals often don’t succeed, and you’d need to show that a mistake was made or that the admissions policy is unlawful.
More from BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit…
Parents' Toolkit
Fun activities, real-life stories, wellbeing support and loads of helpful advice - we're here for you and your child.
Primary school places: what to do now you've got an offer
All you need to know now you've received a primary school offer, including how to appeal if you didn't get your first choice
Is my child ready for school?
Child psychologist Laverne gives her tips for preparing children for starting primary school
How to talk to your child
Advice from Dr Claire Halsey on how you can talk to your child so they share their feelings with you as well as listen and cooperate.
Bud's Number Garden
Join Bud the bee, explore his magical garden and practise recognising numbers, counting, sequencing and much more!
More Starting Primary School videos and articles
Head to our homepage to help you and your child prepare for starting primary school and thrive in school life.
