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Appendix DProcedures for the Conduct of Review Panels
While Review Panels are set up to advise the Schools Registration Board on the appropriateness or otherwise of the registration or renewal of registration of a school, it is the hope of the Board that they also provide a supportive structure to the schools concerned. Every effort should be made to make the occasion of a review a positive experience for the school. MembershipThe membership of the Review Panel is set up in accordance with the procedures in Section 4.2.1 of the Handbook, either by the Board or by the Officers of the Board. No member of the panel has a representative function on behalf of the school even though nominated by it. All members are there to help the school meet the requirements for registration and to report fully on those to the Board. Setting up a ReviewPreliminary information is collected from the school by the Board’s Executive Officer and circulated to panel members before the date of the meeting. Panels will normally convene at the school to be reviewed and the school will have been asked to have a suitable meeting place available prior to the arrival of panel members. Members' PreparationBefore arriving for the visit, panel members will be expected to have considered the written material supplied by the school, especially in relation to the matters listed in Section 51 of the Education Act 1994:
Visiting the SchoolOn arrival at the school the Chair of the Review Panel will arrange for the panel members to have a brief meeting on their own before and after a discussion with school representatives and, at some point, a tour of the school. Initial Panel DiscussionIn the initial panel discussion the members will determine areas in the material provided that need to be amplified or points where it might appear that the school would not reach the required standard. These matters are then listed for discussion with the school representatives. Other items that panel members believe should be discussed in order to obtain a full picture of the school will also be noted. Discussion with SchoolThe panel will then meet with the school representatives and it is highly desirable that, where possible, this should include a senior member or members of the governing body of the school, as well as the Principal. In this meeting, the points already determined by the panel members will be explored. Where there is any question of a school not meeting one of the standards determined by the Minister and described in the Board’s Handbook then this will be made clear to the school and an opportunity will be given for the school to explain its position and provide additional information. Tour of the SchoolA tour of the school, with, if possible, an opportunity to see students and staff at work should be included in the visit either before or after the main discussion. At some point an opportunity will be given to the school representatives to raise matters that they might wish to discuss with the panel. Developing the ReportBefore the panel leaves the school, members of the Review Panel will agree the general terms of the report to the Board and the recommendation to be made. The report will be drafted by the Chair of the Review Panel as soon as possible after the visit and sent to the other members for their agreement or for suggestions or amendments. The final agreed report and recommendation will then be sent to the Board’s Executive Officer in time to be circulated with the papers for the meeting of the Board at which the report is to be considered. Consideration of the Report by Schools Registration BoardFollowing consideration of the application by the Board, its determination and a copy of the Review Panel Report are sent to the school and to the Minister for Education.
General InformationInformation gained from documents and from the school visit is considered to be confidential and members of Review Panels should not discuss matters outside the Panel or the Board. Consultancy fees and expenses are paid to panel members in accordance with the current rates approved by the Board. See also | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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