Remote technology in school admission and exclusion appeal hearings: consultation

Benefits of the use of remote means for appeal hearings

We have regularly reviewed the operation of the regulations with education authorities and parent representative bodies. The feedback from stakeholders was positive about the flexibilities provided through the above regulations. They reported that parents had been positive about the remote arrangements which were enabling parents to more easily access the appeals system without, for example, having to take significant time off work and/or incur additional costs, such as arranging additional childcare.

Education authority stakeholders noted the greater flexibility for appeal committees and parents alike as hearings can often run over. They also noted that use of remote means has become a normal feature of everyday life and to remove that option would be out of step with wider practice across society.

Stakeholders have noted the greater convenience and better access to justice this approach offers to parents, by allowing them to attend hearings easily and without the need to travel to council offices. Attending in-person appeal hearings can be intimidating to some parents and remote hearings allow parents to participate in their own home where they can be more comfortable and relaxed.