daphnedill I do know about school appeals. I also know that my local authority has adopted the UN Convention on Children's Rights and allows children to be present and to speak at appeals although they can be asked to leave if there is something to be discussed that might upset them. Ireland has a children's ombudsman and part of that job is to ensure that the Convention is applied to all education matters including appeals
www.oco.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/AdviceoftheOmbudsmanforChildrenontheGeneralSchemeoftheEducationBill.pdf
Everyone involved in anything to do with children in the UK should be aware of the Convention. The fact that you are not reveals a certain attitude towards children that needs to change. I have said it will not change the appeal decision, but this is about promoting better practice.
I suggest you follow the links and read the UN Convention.
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