Stage 1 appeal

[HouseofEliot]

We had stage 1 appeal today. Wasn't really sure what to expect. Over 100 people there all trying to have their say. Clerk was silent throughout but chair was quite good at telling people to be quiet and wait their turn.

Some parents had good questions but most were totally irrelevant. One family trying to claim they were racially discriminated against as they are not of the faith of the school. At one point three of them were shouting.

One lady kept saying that if anyone moved away from the school their child should be removed immediately whatever year they were in. I am sure if it was her child she would feel different.

Some really rude to the school and panel which surprised me. It doesn't give a good impression.

Lots of small children there making it hard to hear everyone.

The Clerk asked at the beginning and then the chair to make sure all mobiles were off but still two went off during the meeting.

Roll on stage 2 tomorrow.

Good luck for tomorrow, hopefully it's a bit more civilised

Thankyou

I will not say this is typical but some parents really are obnoxious at appeals. I appreciate that they are stressed by the whole thing and that tempers can get frayed but some just do seem to be deliberately nasty when there is no need.
One lot I actually adjourned the hearing for 20 minutes so they could all cool down. Actually they all went outside and slagged each other off but at least by the time they came back in they had got over the majority of their anger. The panel just had a cup of coffee.

They obviously don't realise these people give their time for free to do this. I would never dream of acting like that.

Thanks tiggytape. We were chatting with the school governor afterwards. He was very nice we said we thought the way they were treated was awful. He just said he was used to it now.

Just had stage 2 we got quite a grilling but they were very nice. The school representative made a few mistakes that I corrected. I said about clubs in school and they kept suggesting we could find these out of school. They asked us our school choices and if we were doing other appeals. They asked us what was wrong with our allocated school and I diplomatically said we preferred this one and why.

The long wait to find out now. Should hear next week or the week after.