As someone who has had occasion to challenge Ian Fraser’s decisions in appeal committees and courts in a professional capacity, I was surprised to learn of his suspension by Inverclyde Council as director of education and social care and subsequent early retirement.

He always struck me as fair-minded, reasonable and effective. I can also say that I have never come across anyone in his position who was more committed to the inclusion of disabled children in mainstream education.

His departure will be a big loss to the schools and pupils of Inverclyde. Without getting into the rights and wrongs of the placing request ballot in this case, I’m bound to say that there are far worse examples of bad practice in placing requests to be found year and after year in other local authorities, without so much as a smack on the wrist for those responsible.

Iain Nisbet, Education Law Unit, Govan Law Centre, Glasgow.