Agenda item

7.1

Verbal Appeal AS/01

7.1.1

In attendance were the appellant, an interpreter for the appellant, and Semaira Asif and Sharon Craig (Customer Services).

7.1.2

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked attendees to introduce themselves. He then outlined the procedure which would be followed during the meeting.

7.1.3

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services submitted a report and commented upon a case where the parent had appealed against the administrative decision made by the Strategic Director with regard to the refusal to grant a home to school travel bus pass (Case No.AS/01).

7.1.4

Semaira Asif explained the Stage 1 review and Stage 2 appeals process regarding the City Council’s Home to School Transport Policy. Ms Asif informed the Committee of the reasons why the request for a home to school travel pass had been refused at Stage 1. She also informed the Committee that the child was attending a school based upon parental choice, that was not a qualifying school.

7.1.5

The appellant explained, via the interpreter in attendance, the reasons for his preference of Astrea Academy. He stated that this was due to his child having attended Astrea Academy since September 2022, and feeling supported within the Arabic speaking community. He stated that his child had expressed a wish to remain with established friendship groups, and confirmed that he had received minimal language support when applying for a school place.

7.1.6

At this stage in the proceedings, the appellant, the interpreter for the appellant, and the officers left the meeting to enable the Committee to consider the evidence.

7.1.7

RESOLVED: That the appeals be upheld on the grounds that there are exceptional educational, financial, family and social circumstances demonstrated (Case No. AS/01).