I propose to take Questions Nos. 349, to 354, inclusive, together.
I am satisfied that the appeal committees, which hear and determine appeals under section 29 of the Education Act 1998, do so in an independent, impartial, fair and reasonable manner.
Appeals under section 29 of the Act are processed in three stages. The first stage allows time for a local resolution to emerge. The second stage involves the appointment of an independent facilitator. The facilitator seeks to resolve the issue underlying the appeal to the satisfaction of both parties. Appeals which are not resolved at the local or facilitation stages progress to a full hearing before an appeal committee.
A separate and distinct committee is appointed to hear each appeal. The committee members are drawn from a panel of experienced educationalists, many of whom are ex-school principals. These people bring a wealth of in-school experience and perspective to their task. Only one of the three appeal committee members is an official of my Department. Under section 29(2) of the Education Act 1998, each committee shall include in its membership an inspector. I do not accept the suggestion that the involvement of an inspector on a committee represents a conflict of interest between a child's right to an education and a school's responsibility for the health and safety of the entire school population. I am satisfied that all appeal committee members have the requisite expertise, experience and independence to serve on the committees.