WITH regard to primary school admissions, the only school I applied for a place for my child was the nearest community school.

I have been informed that, as there are not enough places, my child has been allocated a place at a voluntary-aided school.

In normal circumstances my child would not be eligible, because, being voluntary, the school has its own selection criteria, but, as they have five places spare this year, an unlucky dip seems to have been held.

I have no real complaints about this school. However, the one I requested was within the area in which I would have before-and-after school and holiday care, and my child would know many of the other children, whereas my child is being sent solo to the other.

Being a full-time shift worker this care is essential -- otherwise, who looks after the children? I explained this on my original application, but it was ignored.

When I inquired what alternatives were available for my child's care needs, the answer was: nothing.

Having talked to the area education office, I find there is little point in appealing as the panel cannot increase class sizes and waiting lists are given priority over appeals cases, so I have put my child's name on a waiting list and I will still appeal.

Surely, children are entitled to community schools if they wish rather than being forced into voluntary schools.

L CLARK (Mrs), Abbott Clough Avenue, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.