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  • "Your opinion & obviously you're entitled to it but wonder how you'd be feeling & what you'd be doing if things hadn't worked out as well as they obviously have for you & your daughter! Also sending your daughter to Wilsden Pre-School Nursery should not have had any bearing whatsoever on her getting a place at the School. You might not think I have an argument but think I'll beg to differ with you on that!"
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Bradford parents say they may educate children as chosen schools are full

11:20am Saturday 5th May 2012 in News By Hannah Baker

Catriona Whiteoak pictured with her daughter Amy who has not been given any of her first five choices for primary schools Catriona Whiteoak pictured with her daughter Amy who has not been given any of her first five choices for primary schools

Parents whose children have missed out on places at all their preferred primary schools say they may teach them at home.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed earlier this week that more than 300 children had been allocated reception places at schools other than the five selected by their parents this year, up from 267 in 2011.

Children who have missed out on places at all their preferred schools include Amy Whiteoak, of Planetrees Street, Allerton.

Her mother Catriona Whiteoak had hoped to send her to Wilsden Primary School but she has been allocated a place at Ley Top Primary School in Allerton, which she has turned down.

She said: “We are realistic people. We thought we might not get our first, second or third choice but to put five schools down and not get any can’t be correct. We know people living two minutes drive away from us who have got Wilsden.”

Mrs Whiteoak, who also selected Harden, Foxhill, Keelham and Myrtle Park Schools, said: “We have done a bit of research. We have looked at the Ofsted reports and as far as we are concerned she won’t get a satisfactory education there. It’s not an option for her. We will have to keep her at home if we can’t get her a place at one of our preferred schools. We feel we are left with no option.”

Another parent who failed to receive one of her preferred schools was Michelle Laycock, of Clayton Heights. Her daughter Maizy has been allocated a place at Reevy Hill Primary School, which is not on a bus route and not in walking distance. Sending Maizy there would also make it impossible for her younger daughter to attend Shibden Head Day Nursery where she is registered, she said.

Mrs Laycock added: “I never imagined I would be rejected for all five of my choices and I now fear that if this is not resolved my daughter will have to be home schooled.”

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