Yorkshire and Humberside appeals working group
(October 2006)
Valerie Watson, clerk to the School Appeals in Leeds talks about setting up the Yorkshire and Humberside appeals working group.
When did you set up the group and why?
I do realise now that to have a quick snappy name for our group would have assisted us in our efforts to be recognised, similar to the EASI group (Education Appeals Support Initiative). I am afraid our group has been named very plainly 'The Yorkshire and Humberside Appeals Working Group' and it may be that we have to consider the renaming at one of our forthcoming meetings if we want our friends in London to be aware of our existence.
Our group which was formed in 2003 aims to meet at least twice a year and each Authority takes their turn at hosting the meeting.
What is your role in the group?
My position is Clerk to the School Appeals in Leeds and there were many occasions when I felt the need to consult with other Authorities on certain aspects relating to the school appeals process. This was really how the group was first formed - by me asking if I would be allowed to attend a Yorkshire and Humberside Education and Admissions Working group. I did attend Hull and I was invited to speak to the Education Officers on my idea of setting up a similar group to theirs but for the Clerks.
The response was excellent and the first meeting was arranged and was held in the Leeds Civic Hall Leeds in July, 2003.
What sorts of issues do the group discuss?
Whilst we have had a visit from Mark Stockdale from the DfES who came to speak to the group about managing and arranging independent exclusion panels and also a visit from the Local Ombudsman I feel that we are perhaps working in isolation. Now that our group is firmly established it would be helpful if there could be a link with perhaps other similar groups; with the DfES and of course with the Council on Tribunals.
What are the benefits to participants of the group?
Once the links had been established it would be easier for each Authority to share ideas and perhaps discuss problems. It may be that the DfES suggest items for discussion to be included on our agenda for forthcoming meetings asking for feedback, such as the new draft Code of Practice. It may also be a good idea for the Secretaries of each of the groups to meet once a year in order that good practice can be disseminated and cascaded down to their region.
What are your views on the future for school appeal panels?
I do feel that there is a lot more that could be done to bring the Authorities together but this can only be achieved with support from the DfES or a similar such body.
Will the group be taking the opportunity to issue a collective response to the consultation on the new admissions codes of practice?
Yes. Our group will be discussing the feedback on the Draft Code of Practice, at our next meeting which will be held in Hull on the 2nd November, 2006.