The Appeals Company

02/07/2025

Think Twice Before Handing Your Child a Mobile Phone

What I See Every Day

As a Behaviour Manager working closely with secondary school students, I’ve seen first-hand how mobile phones are shaping and in some cases, overwhelming young people’s lives.

It’s becoming more common to see students experiencing genuine distress when their phone is confiscated. I’ve watched trembling hands, tearful pleas, and total emotional shutdowns at the thought of being without their device for just a few days. This isn’t about missing out on music or group chats. It’s about deep emotional dependence and a fear of losing connection with the outside world.

Girls and the Pressure to Be Perfect

For girls, in particular, the impact of early phone use can be even more damaging.

From the moment they go online, they’re flooded with images of influencers and celebrities, most of them filtered and curated to appear perfect. Before these girls have had a chance to discover who they really are, they’re already comparing themselves to others and judging their worth by the number of likes or followers they receive. I even seen on-Line’get ready with me’ tutorial’s… what does a young child of 12 or even younger know about ani aging creams, or which foundation is right! No exaggeration!!

Validation becomes visual. Poses replace personalities. Self-esteem becomes tangled in social media feedback. It is far too much, far too soon.
Do we really need our young girls to have this pressure? Their childhood is so short let them be children because it goes in a fleeting moment. There’s plenty of time for them to talk about foundation and anti-aging. They have a whole lifetime to explore that.

What They See Cannot Be Unseen

Let’s not pretend the internet is a child-friendly space. While there are many positives, the darker corners are always just a few clicks away.

Twenty years ago, explicit content was hidden on the top shelf of a shop. Today, it’s on the screens in our children’s bedrooms. They don’t have to go looking for it. Often, it finds them. I’ve listened to radio phone in where young adults mainly men or trauma by what they’ve seen and heard online and it’s gone on to affect their mental health. Young girls went onto to develop eating disorders and body dysmorphia. This thing is real and at present out of control.

And once something has been seen, it cannot be unseen.

Phones Are Not Just Phones Anymore

We would never hand our child the keys to a car without lessons, safety checks, and clear rules. Yet many children are handed smartphones without boundaries, training, or emotional preparation.

Phones are not just for calling home. They are powerful tools with access to an entire world both the good and the harmful.

Questions to Consider Before You Say Yes

If you’re considering giving your child a phone, ask yourself:
• Are they emotionally ready to manage what they might see or experience?
• Do they understand the difference between online popularity and true self-worth?
• Can they set boundaries for themselves and cope with online pressures?
• Are you prepared to support and monitor their use regularly?

It’s Okay to Wait

There is no race to hand over a phone. Childhood is short. Let them grow into themselves before the world starts telling them who to be.

Phones can be helpful, but only when paired with guidance, structure, and maturity.

Let’s protect our children not just from danger, but from growing up too fast in a digital world they aren’t yet ready to face.
So mums and dads, if you considering handing over these devices, my advice, put boundaries in place and stick to it!

You’ll thank me later and they will thank you later !

Grace x

29/06/2025

🎒 Surviving Secondary School: A Parent’s Guide to the Great Transition

So, your child is about to start secondary school? Congratulations. You’ve officially graduated from “primary school parent” to “semi-retired school bag checker and full-time emotional support human.” It’s a big moment for them and for you. New school. New friends. New smells in their PE kit. Welcome to Year 7.

Some kids sprint into this phase with wild excitement. Others tiptoe in cautiously, clutching their Pokémon cards and asking if you can just homeschool them forever. Wherever your child falls, this guide will help you (and them) survive the jump from primary to secondary school with confidence, calm, and only a few mismatched socks.

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🎓 Understanding the UK Education Maze

First things first. Let’s decode the mysterious UK education system:
• KS1 (Ages 5–7): Adorable chaos and phonics.
• KS2 (Ages 7–11): More structured chaos.
• KS3 (Ages 11–14): Hello, secondary school!
• KS4 (Ages 14–16): GCSEs and mood swings.
• KS5 (Ages 16–18): Sixth form, college, and caffeine dependency.

The leap from KS2 to KS3 is where the real adventure begins. Bigger school. More subjects. Rotating classrooms. It’s like Hogwarts but without the owls.

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🏫 The Night Before Year 7

Ah, the night before The Big Day. Here’s how to make it mostly meltdown-free:
• Pack the Bag: Let your child do it… then quietly check it later. No, a banana and a fidget toy don’t count as being “fully packed.”
• Uniform Check: Ensure everything fits. Trousers shrink mysteriously over the summer or disappear entirely.
• Wind Down Time: Ease into early nights. Don’t go from Fortnite marathons to 6 a.m. alarms overnight.
Pro tip: No phones in bedrooms. Yours included. Yes, we’re serious.
• Lay It All Out: Avoid the morning chaos. Set out clothes, lunches, and that one lucky pencil.

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📵 Phones, Policies and Peace of Mind

Many secondary schools now have a strict no-phone policy. Phones may need to be turned off and kept out of sight throughout the school day, and sometimes even at break or lunchtime. It’s essential to read the school’s policy carefully with your child and make sure they understand the rules. Breaking them could result in phones being confiscated or sent home.

Understandably, this can make some parents feel uneasy, especially if their child is travelling independently for the first time. If you’re concerned about safety, some parents have chosen to use discreet GPS trackers, often tucked inside a blazer pocket or school bag. In some cases, the child isn’t aware of it. Use your own judgement on that one.

Whatever your approach, the aim is to support your child’s growing independence while respecting the school’s boundaries. Open conversations and trust are key.

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🚸 What to Expect on Transition Day(s)

Secondary school is like upgrading from a cosy cottage to a sprawling mansion with a map and no satnav.

Your child can expect:
• A Giant Maze: More students, multiple buildings, and about 47 different staircases.
• New Teachers Every Hour: Maths in Room 12. Science in Room 5. Confusion in the corridor.
• Independence Required: They’ll be expected to manage themselves more. Translation: keep track of their stuff.
• New Friends, Old Friends, Drama: Social circles shift like tectonic plates. It’s normal. And temporary.
• Commute Chaos: Public transport? Buses? Trains? Practice it before Day One. Trust us.

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☀️ Making the Most of the Summer Holidays

Summer isn’t just for lie-ins and ice cream. It’s prime prep time for secondary school success.

1. Build Routines (But Keep It Chill)
• Mornings: Alarm clocks, not alarms-you. Also, get a real alarm clock. No mobiles. Also it’s a good way of setting boundaries , no phone’s in bedroom on a school night, you’ll thank me later!
• Responsibility Boosters: Encourage them to:
• Pack their bag
• Keep track of homework
• Tidy their floor (yes, it’s under the clothes pile)
• Household Chores: Yes, really.
• Make the bed (not sleep in it all day)
• Sort laundry (bonus: they’ll stop putting whites in with reds)
• Set the table, prep simple snacks, maybe even unload the dishwasher (miracles do happen)

These small things build big confidence.

2. Talk About It (Without the Interrogation Lamp)
• Ask gentle, open questions.
“What are you excited about?”
“Anything you’re worried about?”
• Share your own (PG-rated) school stories.
• Explore the school website or prospectus together. Bonus if it includes a virtual tour.

3. Set Boundaries Before Chaos Hits
• See some cheeky behaviour creeping in? Nip it early.
• Establish clear, fair rules now, especially around sleep, screen time, and morning routines.
• Be consistent, calm, and a bit sneaky. (Also known as clever parenting.)

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🛠️ Bonus Tips for Clever Parents
• Do a Dry Run: Walk or travel the school route. Practice makes punctual.
• Label Everything: If it’s not nailed down, it might get lost. Slap a label on it.
• Shop Early: Uniforms disappear fast. Don’t get caught in the end-of-August panic at 9 p.m.
• Homework Station: Create a calm, distraction-free study spot. Avoid the kitchen table if it’s also the snack zone.
• Induction Days Are Gold: If there’s a chance to visit the school before September, take it. Familiarity eases anxiety for both of you.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Starting secondary school is like stepping onto a new planet. It’s scary, exciting, and full of surprises. But here’s the truth: your child will adapt. So will you. There’ll be bumps, forgotten PE kits, and possibly some dramatic lunchbox complaints, but also lots of growth, new friendships, and pride.

With structure, humour, and a bit of forward planning (and snacks), you’ll help them take this leap with confidence.

Now take a deep breath, smile at the slightly-too-big blazer, and know you’ve got this.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns or questions before September — I’m happy to help.
And when the time comes, I’d love to hear how your child’s first day goes!

03/10/2018

GETTING THAT SCHOOL
Parents of the 600,000 children (in England) who will change schools next September have until October 31st to make their choice.
This annual event for prospective parents which can attract up to two thousand parents can be a confusing, stressful and tiring time for both parent and child. Below I have listed a few things worth noting before applying and visiting.

Ten things to know when considering a New Secondary School.

1 Start looking in year five, this will give you the heads up when actually choosing in year six.

2 Be realistic. Looking at a school several miles away from home may be setting your expectations too high and often this can lead to disappointment. By choosing a school closer to home, you’ll have a better chance of getting a place. Nearly all schools use proximity in their admissions policy, so whether you get the school you want rather depends on how many other people with children of the same age live between you and its front gates.

3 Maybe consult with your child about the school they would prefer to attend. their reasoning could be friendships, or the school may specialise in a particular subject, such as Science or Sport. If so, you probably want to make sure the school has good facilities and enthusiastic teachers in that area.

4 It's best to use a variety of antennae to suss a school out: ask around, be aware of a school's reputation, read their Ofsted reports online, be familiar with the exam results and browse the school website.

5 Speak to other parents whose child already attend the school, they will often give an honest overview of the school.

6 You can also get advice about choosing schools from your local council. This may seem a little odd; The toilets often provide a good clue as to how well the facilities are looked after.

7 Write down a few questions, such as; Where the children go when they leave school - how many do further education? What sports/music facilities do they offer? Do at least a few pupils gain 10 A/A* grades? Does the staff look happy? High turnover of staff speaks volumes.

8 Look at the extra-curricular activities the school offers – are there thriving after-school clubs and weekend events or does it look like an enquiry about whether they run.

9 Most of all, make this a positive experience. Encourage your child to see it as one of the first big decisions they will help to make about their lives. And always bear in mind that, the decision is not cast in stone; there are always other doors you can open at a later date.

10 Finally,… Getting your child into your chosen school!

11/09/2018

In the next few weeks parent with children in year six will be selecting up to 6 preferred secondary schools!

Starting the secondary school application process and feeling a bit clueless? We quizzed the experts (and the parents who’ve been there and done it) to find out what you should look out for when touring schools.

10/09/2018

Congratulation to all those parents who were successful with their child's school appeal. It can a daunting road, but well worth the effort in the end if the appeal is upheld!

Figures on the number of admissions appeals for the 2017-18 academic year reveals another increase in the number of secondary school appeals. The data shows the overall proportion of appeals made and upheld has barely changed since last year, and reveals that half of all appeals are now about admiss...

28/03/2018

Make your school appeal stand out from the rest!

Hundreds of nervous families are filing their appeal against local authority decisions not to give their child a place at the school of their choice.
Parents who decide to navigate the schools appeals process alone face struggle of uncertainty. “It can be a traumatic experience for the families” says Rosemarie Jones from The Appeals Company, “they don’t know what to expect and it can be a very stressful time’”

Once the appeals case is submitted, it’s time to mentally prepare for the hearing.
• Parents who researched the best place for their child are more likely to succeed if space could be found.
• A good argument backed up by documentary evidence gives the greatest chance of success.
• Make sure to outline your case - it’s a crucial part to focus on.
• You need to argue why your child HAS to go to that school and that particular school alone and why no other school can meet his/her needs or is suitable.

What happens at the appeal hearing?
There’s a panel of 3 people at the appeal hearing. The panel must be independent.
1. The admission authority will explain why they turned down your application.

2. You’ll be able to give your own reasons why your child should be admitted.

3. The panel must decide if the school’s admission criteria were properly followed and are legal according to the school admissions appeals code.

4. If the criteria were properly followed, the panel must decide if they were followed fairly and thoroughly.

5. If the criteria were not properly followed or are illegal, your appeal must be upheld.

6. If your appeal has not already been upheld, the panel will decide if your reasons for your child to be admitted outweigh the school’s reasons for not admitting another child.

7. The panel will send you and the admission authority their decision within 5 school days.

28/03/2018

Make your school appeal stand out from the rest!

Hundreds of nervous families are filing their appeal against local authority decisions not to give their child a place at the school of their choice.
Parents who decide to navigate the schools appeals process alone face struggle of uncertainty. “It can be a traumatic experience for the families” says Rosemarie Jones from The Appeals Company, “they don’t know what to expect and it can be a very stressful time’”

Once the appeals case is submitted, it’s time to mentally prepare for the hearing.

• Parents who researched the best place for their child are more likely to succeed if space could be found.
• A good argument backed up by documentary evidence gives the greatest chance of success.
• Make sure to outline your case - it’s a crucial part to focus on.
• You need to argue why your child HAS to go to that school and that particular school alone and why no other school can meet his/her needs or is suitable.

What happens at the appeal hearing?
There’s a panel of 3 people at the appeal hearing. The panel must be independent.
1. The admission authority will explain why they turned down your application.

2. You’ll be able to give your own reasons why your child should be admitted.

3. The panel must decide if the school’s admission criteria were properly followed and are legal according to the school admissions appeals code.

4. If the criteria were properly followed, the panel must decide if they were followed fairly and thoroughly.

5. If the criteria were not properly followed or are illegal, your appeal must be upheld.

6. If your appeal has not already been upheld, the panel will decide if your reasons for your child to be admitted outweigh the school’s reasons for not admitting another child.

7. The panel will send you and the admission authority their decision within 5 school days.

15/03/2018

We are currently speaking to lots of anxious parents who didn't get their school of choice. It's a very distressing and stressful time for everyone and in many cases the most important person in this has to face the prospect of not going to the local school where their friends are going.

Every parent has the right to appeal, but it's not an easy process and has a low success rate because most parents don't prepare properly. We've been inundated with inquiries and have been providing advice and support on the school appeals process. The system is flawed but there is hope .

Anyone looking for support can contact us.

The Government is not fulfilling a basic duty of care for thousands of pupils who will lose out on their top choice of secondary schools places this year, headteachers have suggested. Hundreds of thousands of families across England will find out today whether their child will attend their preferred...

14/03/2018

We have been busy of the last few days advising parents of their options and the next steps when considering appeal against a school. Here are some useful tips:
1. Know your rights.
2. Do the research.
3. Know the system.
4. Think about legal representation.
5. Don't forget the paperwork!

Check out our page for more!

14/03/2018

Your first port of call if you have an urgent medical concern.

02/03/2018

SO, YOU DIDN'T GET THE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE?

More and more parents are now considering appealing. Latest figures show parents are now appealing against four in every 100 places offered.
You will have been told whether your child has been offered the school of your choice. If you are not happy with the school you have been offered, here is step-by-step ‘don’t panic’ guide to appeals.

• Step 1: Keep calm - Try not to get stressed, especially in front of your child. If your child sees your worry, they will worry too.

• Step 2: Accept the placement you have been offered - You don’t want to end up without a school, so it is important to accept where you have been allocated – even if you are undergoing an appeal.

• Step 3: Contact the school of your choice and ask to go on a waiting list, even if it’s a long one.

• Step 4: Notify your local authority that you wish to appeal - They will advise you of the deadline for making an appeal. They will also send you relevant forms or let you know whether you can appeal online.

• Step 5: Work Out If You’ve Got Grounds for an Appeal - Be realistic. Make sure you have a solid reason for appealing before you start the process. Making an appeal can be stressful for you and your family – we can assess your situation and let you know whether you have grounds for appeal.

• Step 6: Keep an open mind - Research other schools, ask to visit them and talk to other parents who may send their child there.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU LOSE AN APPEAL?

Don’t despair. If you your appeal is unsuccessful, you can still put your child’s name on the waiting list for the school of your choice. Remember that a lot can happen between Spring and Autumn, places may become available.
You can remain on the waiting list as long as you like. You may want to think about the impact of moving your child once he/she settles into a school.

If this sounds all too daunting, remember we’re here to help:
- Phone 07378 417404 for a free consultation
- Visit www.theappealscompany.co.uk
- Follow on Twitter or The Appeals Company on Facebook

At the Appeals Company, we show you how to prepare evidence and how to construct a better case. We offer practical help and advice around independent appeals

24/02/2018

Wishing everyone luck this on 1st March. Don't panic if you don't get your place. Send us a message for our tips on appealing a decision! http://www.theappealscompany.co.uk

At the Appeals Company, we show you how to prepare evidence and how to construct a better case. We offer practical help and advice around independent appeals