Fancy getting involved in voluntary services for the council? This in from the press office council. Ed
Members of the public are being sought to join the Island’s Educational Appeal Panel which considers appeals from parents about school admissions and exclusions.
All parents have a right to express a preference for the school they would like their child to attend but sometimes, after places have been allocated in accordance with the admissions policy, a school can’t accommodate further admissions and disappointments can arise. Parents have the right to appeal these decisions to a panel which is completely independent of the local authority.
The Isle of Wight Council is looking for additional panel members who are good at questioning and listening, weighing up different points of view and able to reach a fair decision quickly.
Who is eligible?
Anyone is welcome to apply to join the panel. Suitable people could include those with voluntary experience in the management of a school, school governors, members of parent teacher associations, parents with a child at school or simply those with an interest in playing an important role in their community.
The independent panel considers written and oral evidence from both the local authority and/or schools and parents to reach a decision on appeals. Their decision is conveyed to the parent by the clerk to the panel, who also provides panel members with independent advice and guidance on the procedures.
15 days a year
Panel members would not normally be needed for more than 15 days per year, plus time for reading papers in advance of each day of appeals. The panel’s busiest time of year is April, May and June although appeals can be heard at any time of year. Travel and subsistence expenses will be paid as appropriate and full training will be provided to successful applicants.
To find out more about being an independent educational appeal panel member, or for an application pack contact Julie Martin or Simon Wiggins, Committee Services, County Hall, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD, email [email protected] or call 01983 823281 / 01983 823289 during office hours.
The closing date for applications is Friday 4 February 2011.
Image: Quinn Anya under CC BY 2.0
