Moves by Scottish Government to decide school places a 'piece of nonsense'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A move by the Scottish Government to take charge of school placing requests has been rejected by councillors from all political parties in West Lothian.The proposal was branded “a piece of nonsense”, with councillors agreeing it would mean huge costs with little gain.Members of the Education Executive agreed it would do nothing to relieve the stress of the ‘win or lose’ situation parents face when appealing to change their child’s school,Placing requests for schools are currently dealt with by local councils, but the Scottish Government has suggested a move to hear requests centrally by Scottish Tribunals, a national department created in 2014 which brings all tribunal services under one umbrella.The Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 envisages that the work of placing in schools appeal committees will transfer to the Scottish Tribunals.

The Scottish Government is currently undertaking further consultation with all local authorities on this proposal.Education officer Andrew Sneddon told a meeting of the Education Executive: “Current arrangements within West Lothian are that Placing in Schools Appeals are heard by a panel of three comprising an elected member of the council or appointed member of the Education Executive, a parent, and a person experienced in education and acquainted with the educational conditions in the area."All members of the panel receive training provided by the Council’s Legal Services.

Appeals are usually heard in the Civic Centre.”He added that the existing system was quick and low cost, and takes account of local circumstances, harnessing the knowledge and experience of relevant local stakeholders.He added: “Existing appeals rules are consistent with the principle of community empowerment, as they