What is the pupils right of appeal?
A parent has the right to state their case about the exclusion of their child to both the governing body of a school and, if appropriate, an Independent Appeal Panel. We are not convinced that a legal right of appeal for children is appropriate. We are, however, committed to ensuring that children have a voice in educational issues which affect them and have therefore strengthened our guidance to make this clear. In January 2003 DfES published new guidance on school which makes it clear that excluded pupils should generally have a right to be heard at all stages of the exclusions process – before the head teacher reaches a decision to exclude either permanently or for a fixed period; at the Discipline Committee if both the parent and pupil so request this; and at the Independent Appeal Panel.
