Gazette News
Wiltshire residents needed for education appeal panels
10:02am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Wiltshire Council is seeking members of the public to join its education appeal panels across the county.
The authority holds panels which hear appeals against decisions by them to refuse a child admission to a school of their parents' choice. They also hear appeals against decisions by a school’s governing body not to allow a pupil back to school following permanent exclusion.
The admission appeal panels must have a minimum of three members, including at least one lay member - a person without personal experience in the management of any school or provision of education in any school, except as a school governor or in another voluntary capacity.
It also has to include a member who has experience in education in the local area, or who is the parent of registered pupils at school.
Exclusion appeal panels must also have a minimum of three members and must include a lay member, who chairs the hearing, a governor and a headteacher.
Full training and support is provided and potential panel members are encouraged to attend a panel hearing as an observer in the first instance.
Appeal panel meetings are held between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and on occasion have to sit for more than one day.
The roles are unpaid but claims can be made for loss of earnings, travelling and subsistence.
To apply or for more details about the role of appeal panels and the responsibilities of panel members, call Roger Bishton on 01225 713035 or email roger.bishton@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Alternatively call Marie Gondlach on 01225 713597 or marie.gondlach@wiltshire.gov.uk.