There are two ways in which a pupil can be excluded from school: Fixed term exclusion - schools can exclude a pupil for a fixed period of up to a total of 45 days in a school year, and Permanent exclusion - The school refuses to allow the pupil back on a permanent basis on the grounds of behaviour
Exclusion from school for children, young people and their families can be a stressful and upsetting time. It should be a last resort and only used in response to a serious breach of the school's behaviour policy.
Guidance has been issued by the Department for Education that all maintained schools, Academies and Pupil Referral Units must follow before and after a decision to exclude has been made.
The Department for Education website contains advice for both schools and parents with regard to exclusions:
Parents/carers have the right to appropriately challenge a school about an exclusion and can make representations to the school's 'Governors Discipline Committee'. The Discipline Committee can:
- In cases of exclusions that are 5 days or less - consider any representation from parents/carers however are not able to direct reinstatement
- In cases of exclusions that are between 5 and 15 days in a term - convene a meeting at the parents request
- In cases of exclusions that are over 15 days in a term or permanent - convene a meeting to consider reinstatement within 15 days of receiving notice of the exclusion
The Department for Education's funded parental helpline on exclusion matters is now provided by The Children's Legal Centre. They aim to provide free legal advice and information to parents on education matters. They can be contacted on 0808 802 0008 or at The Children's Legal Centre (External Link)
If you require further advice or support, please contact the Pupil Inclusion Team on the numbers below.
