Join the Schools Independent Appeals Panel

A number of schools in the Borough are so popular that parents are occasionally unable to enrol their children in them because they are over-subscribed.

In these circumstances some parents may decide to lodge an appeal which is heard by an independent appeals panel.

The same panel is also convened when parents decide to appeal against a school's decision to permanently exclude their child.

The Council has a pool of members who make up the appeals panel and three are chosen at random to hear each case.

The pool consists of a mixture of members, some of whom have experience of working in the local education system and others who are lay members.

It is lay members with no formal experience of working in education who are particularly being sought by the Council.

Admissions appeals relating to both primary and secondary schools are usually held between April and July.

However, the panel may be required to convene in order to consider admission and exclusion appeals at other times of the year when necessary.

Roger Hadley, Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, said: "Becoming a panel member can be a rewarding experience for anyone interested in education who is free during the day.

"It requires someone impartial, confident and decisive who is keen to contribute to the local community.

"Full training will be given to new panel members and reasonable travelling and subsistence expenses will be paid."

Anyone interested in becoming a panel member should contact Colin Gamble from the Democratic Services Team on 01702 215000 ext 4820 or email council@southend.gov.uk

Alternatively, application forms can be downloaded from the Council's website at www.southend.gov.uk/siap

Appointments will be made following informal interviews. The closing date for applications is 22nd October 2010.