What to do next if your child didn't get first-choice primary school on offer day

across England, Scotland and will find out today whether or not their child has been offered a place at their first-choice The day is for many a major milestone, as being the process of preparing their little ones to start school in September.

For some however, the day can be tinged with disappointment for those unsuccessful in being offered a place at their first choice, but there are things that can be done if that happens. In England, those , have 20 school days in which to lodge an appeal. To do so, parents or guardians must submit an appeal by completing and sending a form before attending a hearing with an independent admissions panel.

The panel considers a range of factors including and whether or not the school followed its admissions policy correctly in awarding places.

In , challenges are placed before a hearing which considers the arguments of both sides before making a final decision.

In Scotland, those looking to appeal a decision will do so which can include local councillors and local people relevant to the matter.

It is recommended that those appealing the awarding of a school, still accept the alternative that they have been given to ensure that their child has a place reserved regardless of the outcome of any appeal.

In England and , schools and local authorities have their own admissions criteria to determine which children are prioritised, although children previously or currently in care must be given top priority.

Often, schools will consider factors such as the existing attendance of a sibling, proximity to the school and religion and religious attendance at faith schools.

In Scotland, more emphasis is placed on catchment areas which judge how close applicants live to their first-choice school.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have additional factors to be considered when applying for and awarding a school place.

In England, the most appropriate school will be identified by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which will identify a learning establishment and compel them to award a place.

However, most children do not have an ECHP, especially those with less severe conditions and the awarding of a school place will be considered in the same way as children without SEND.

In Scotland, parents and local authorities will engage with one another to identify the most suitable school for a SEND child.