A mother has said she faces an impossible task trying to ferry her three children to school after moving house.
Melanie Milloy and her family moved from Rawthorpe to Lowerhouses in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, the day before schools broke up for the summer holidays.
She applied for places for the new term at Hillside Primary School, in Newsome, for her daughter Grace, 10, and son Reuben, seven, who had both been at Rawthorpe Junior School.
Melanie Milloy, 34, has complained that she can’t ferry her three children, Harrison, Grace and Reuben, to different schools to ensure they are all in on time
But only Grace was accepted as there was no space available for Reuben because his year group was at full capacity.
Ms Milloy’s youngest son, Harrison, who is two-and-a-half and has severe autism is due to begin at day nursery in Lowerhouses in the next few weeks.
The 34-year-old, who does not drive, said: ‘There is no way I can get from the nursery at Lowerhouses to Hillside and then to Rawthorpe all within 15 minutes to make sure they are at school on time.’
She said there were no direct buses from Lowerhouses to Newsome and that she could not afford taxi fares as she is in receipt of benefits.
Ms Milloy’s eldest daughter Grace has been enrolled at Hillside Primary School but there was no space for Reuben and so he is still at Rawthorpe Junior School. Her youngest son Harrison is about to start at day nursery in Lowerhouses in the next few weeks
Ms Milloy said: ‘I cannot split myself into three, but if I don’t get Reuben to school I am going to be fined. I don’t know how they expect me to get to three places in the space of 15 minutes.
‘All my family and most of my friends work. If not, they don’t drive.
‘I have rung Citizens’ Advice and they suggested asking Rawthorpe Junior School if they could arrange transport. The school said no.
‘They are keeping him on the register until he can get a place that is more local.’
Ms Milloy, who has contacted Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman, has appealed against the decision but said it would be at least eight weeks before her appeal could be heard.
She has also applied for two places at Newsome Junior School for Grace and Reuben, but has yet to hear back.
A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: ‘Ms Milloy recently submitted applications for her children to change schools due to a recent house move.
‘We have been able to offer her daughter a place at one of her requested schools, but the year group for her son at the same school is currently full.
‘Her son has been put on the waiting list for a place at this school and Ms Milloy has also lodged an admission appeal which will be scheduled shortly and in line with the School Admission Appeals Code.
‘We are continuing to work with Ms Milloy to find a suitable school place for both her children as soon as possible.’