'I didn't stand a chance': how parents experience the exclusions appeal tribunal

HODGE, Nick and WOLSTENHOLME, Claire (2016). 'I didn't stand a chance': how parents experience the exclusions appeal tribunal. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 20 (12), 1297-1309.

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Official URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13603...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2016.1168875
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Abstract

In September 2012 the process changed in England for how parents (and carers) can appeal against their child's exclusion from school. This paper is one of the first accounts of how parents experience the new system. Using data from a research study with a range of stakeholders in the appeals process, this paper focuses on the accounts of the 21 parents interviewed. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify the factors that motivate parents to make an appeal, the barriers and enablers to doing so, and the physical, emotional and financial costs that result from engagement with the process. The findings reveal that the costs are extremely heavy for parents with very limited rewards. The process is experienced as inequitable with a bias towards schools and many of these parents call for the provision of experienced legal support to make it a more balanced system. In spite of the challenges involved the need to call schools to account remains a strong motivation to appeal but this was not the preferred option for parents. Instead they call for schools to develop more inclusive and enabling environments that rely more on understanding the needs of pupils and their families than on exclusion from school. Key words: Appeal; exclusion; education; schools; special educational needs; parents

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Sheffield Institute of Education
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2016.1168875
Page Range: 1297-1309
Depositing User: Nick Hodge
Date Deposited: 30 Mar 2016 11:03
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 00:30
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/11825

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