School Admission Appeals – Opportunity to Volunteer
Are you interested in Children’s education?
If so, East Sussex County Council is seeking volunteers to participate in Independent Appeal Panels who hear school admission appeals.
Being a panel member can be a rewarding experience for those who wish to support their community. No previous experience is needed, just a desire to make a difference.
What is a school admission appeal?
Parents have the right to appeal against the decision of an admission authority to refuse their child's place at their preferred school. Appeals must be set out in writing, as must the response of the admission authority. The written submissions are then circulated ahead of an appeal hearing, with both parties being invited to attend and put their case in person to the Independent Appeal Panel.
What would be my role?
Your role as a panel member would be to read the case papers in advance of the hearing, actively participate in the appeal hearing process and to work with the other Panel Members in determining whether to uphold or dismiss the parent's appeal.
The Independent Appeal Panel member
You should be sensitive to the concerns of parents and to the pressures on local schools. You will also need to enjoy working with other panel members, assessing evidence and actively participating in the hearing and Panel deliberation processes. You will also need to possess good literacy, communication, and listening skills and be able to act at all times in an objective and impartial manner.
We will provide you with training on the legal framework of the appeal process and local procedures. Service is voluntary, but you will be paid out of pocket expenses.
Training dates have been set for:
1. Tuesday 17 September; and
2. Friday 27 September
Hours of work: Voluntary role, hours to be discussed.
Working pattern: Limited commitment throughout the year during the working week, with the busiest period being between April to July.
Closing date: Sunday 8 September.
For an informal discussion, please contact Hannah Matthews – Governance and Democracy Manager on 01273 335138.
Alternatively you can write to Hannah Matthews, East Sussex School Appeals Service, Room West E, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, BN7 1UE.