Parents appealing a decision on where their child goes to school in Glasgow are set to face a tribunal – with fears it could disadvantage poorer families.report has raised concerns that handing over school placement appeals to the Scottish Tribunal Service would be unfair as wealthier parents could hire lawyers.
Referring to the likelihood that some parents would choose to hire a solicitor to represent them at a tribunal, the report warned: “This is only likely to benefit those parents who can afford such representation and is therefore not equitable or just.”appeals should be handled by Scottish Tribunals instead of councils as there have been concerns over impartiality.
“The present appeal system ensures that parents and carers, regardless of their economic or social circumstances, have the same access to appeals.” Since the pandemic the vast majority have been online. Commenting on the potential change to the current process, Glasgow’s education department also raised concerns the tribunals process might be slower in a report going to the council’s education, skills and early years city policy committee this week.