Schools information

Exclusions

What is a fixed term exclusion?
An exclusion means that a child is prevented from going to school for a fixed period of time as a result of their behaviour. Fixed period exclusions are for a specified time and must not add up to more than 45 school days in a school year.

Indefinate exclusions are not lawful and an exclusion should be for the shortest time necessary. Exclusions can only be authorised by the Headteacher. Exclusions should be used as a last resort and only when all other alternatives available to the school in managing a child's behaviour have been exhausted.

Children can be excluded from school for a fixed period if:

• they have seriously broken the schools behaviour policy
  
  
• it would seriously harm the education or welfare of themselves or others if they stayed in school

Before deciding to exclude a child the Headteacher should:

• make sure that a thorough investigation has been carried out
  
  
• give the child a chance to account for their actions · think carefully about the evidence available
  
  
• take into account the school's behaviour and equal opportunities policies
  
  
• check whether bullying, racial or sexual harassment led to the behaviour of the child
  
  
• consult with other professionals as necessary
  
  

Within one school day of the exclusion the Headteacher should send a letter to the parent including:

• the precise period of the exclusion
  
  
• the reasons for the exclusion
  
  
• An explanation of the parent's right to state their case to the governors and the procedure for doing this
  
  
• arrangements for how the child can continue their education
  
  
• the parent's right to have a copy of the child's school record
  
  
• the date and time of the child's return to school
  
  
• Contact details for advice from the local authority and ACE (see below)

If a parent disagrees with the exclusion there are a number of ways in which they can ask for a review of the exclusion:

• If a child has been excluded for less than five days a parent can write to the Chair of the school governing body setting out their case. They can also request to meet with the governors however they do not have to agree to this meeting
  
  
• If a child has been excluded for more than five and a half days, or if they will miss a public examination (not SATs) then a parent has a right to put the child's case to a meeting of the governors.

The governors are able to reinstate a child who has been excluded from school. Students also have the right to attend the governor's meeting.

Permanent Exclusions
If a child or young person is permanently excluded from school then this decision can be challenged via an Independent Appeal Panel. The panel can overrule the exclusion. However it may be decided that it is not in the child's best interests to return to their original school even if the exclusion has been revoked. At this stage a young person may be referred to a pupil referral unit or another school.

For further information and advice on exclusions you can contact:

Social Inclusion Team in Westminster on: 
Tel 020 7641 3423

The Advisory Centre for Education exclusion helpline:
0808 8000327

A Connexions advisor www.connexions.gov.uk