We would like to submit a Freedom of Information request in respect of the Devon Independent Review Panel Service. Please can you provide answers to the following questions:
1. The number of Independent Review Panel (IRP) cases of school pupil exclusions heard in each of the last four academic years:
i. 2018-19 – 14
ii. 2019-20 – 3
iii. 2020-21 – 11
iv. to date in 2021-22. – 9
2. The number of IRP decisions to quash the decision of the School’s/Academy’s Governing Body and direct that the Governing Body reconvene and consider the reinstatement of the pupil again in each of the last four academic years:
i. 2018-19 – 8 (+ 1 recommend to reconsider)
ii. 2019-20 – 2
iii. 2020-21 – 6 (+ 2 recommend to reconsider)
iv. to date in 2021-22. – 4 (2 recommend reconsider – 3 still ongoing)
3. The number of IRP decisions to uphold the decision of the School’s/Academy’s Governing body in each of the last four academic years:
i. 2018-19 – 5
ii. 2019-20 – 1
iii. 2020-21 – 3
iv. to date in 2021- 22 – 0
4. The number of panel members the LA has to call upon.
15
5. When the panel members were last trained.
April 2020 (next session taking pace April 2022)
6. Who provided the training from the panel members.
EduLaw Chambers & EduLaw Training
7. How many panel members have sat on more than one IRP hearing.
15