We look here at the changes to admissions appeals procedures
being introduced by the DfE in response to Covid-19.
The DfE has announced that new regulations are expected to take
effect on 24th April 2020 which will relax admissions
appeals procedures until 31st January 2021. Currently,
appeals panels must meet in person, which is not permitted by
social distancing constraints. Appeals panels must also have a
minimum 3 members (including a lay member and a member who has
experience in education, is familiar with educational conditions in
the local authority area or is a parent of a registered pupil at
the school). However, Covid-19 may affect the availability of these
panel members. Covid-19, social distancing measures and school
closures may also affect the ability to meet current admissions
appeals deadlines.
