SADLY in our village school we have a staff disciplinary case. But we just cannot rustle up six eligible people to be on the first committee and appeals committee. I believe there is some dispensation for small schools. Can you advise please?

YOU are right. The regulations say that if there are not six eligile governors in all you can have fewer than three on each committee. The appeals committee can never be smaller than the committee that made the original decision. And - under a new rule that came into force on September 1, 2000 - if either committee has only two members then they must both be present. Otherwise the case cannot be considered.