School placing requests and appeals - temporary arrangements: information for parents

School placing requests and appeals in 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic local authorities and appeal committees were given the flexibility to hold appeal hearings by video or telephone conference or in writing, if all parties agree, as well as in-person, continues to apply. Scottish Ministers consulted in 2024 on whether to make use of remote means in appeal hearings a permanent feature of the appeals process and are considering responses to the consultation.

Where an appeal committee proposes to hold a hearing by telephone or video conference, it should ensure that each participant has access to video or telephone facilities allowing them to engage in the hearing at all times and present their cases fully, and that the appeal can be heard fairly and transparently.

Parents have the right to be represented at a hearing, whether it is conducted in-person or remotely, and the appellant may be accompanied by up to three others (including any person representing the appellant).

For details of the process and key deadlines please see the choosing a school guide.