Exclusion from school
What is exclusion?
This is a disciplinary measure, which the Headteacher of a school
can use to deal with incidents of serious misbehaviour.
By law, only the Headteacher, or the designated Acting Headteacher,
can exclude a pupil.
An exclusion letter should be sent to the parent/carer within one
school day of the decision to exclude. This letter must include:
- the precise period of the exclusion
- the reason(s) for the exclusion
- your right to state your case to the governors and how to go
about this.
If your child has Special Educational Needs the school must take
this into account.
There are two types of exclusion:
Fixed-term exclusion (previously known as suspension)
This is when the Headteacher writes to tell you that you must
keep your child at home for a fixed number of school days. By law,
this cannot be more than 45 schools days in any one year.
- If your child is excluded for longer than a day, the school
must provide them with work that must be marked
- The school should call you on the day an exclusion is given and
follow up with a letter that explains the period of exclusion, the
reasons for it and who to contact if you’d like to give your
views
- Children can be excluded only if they have seriously broken
school rules or if their presence at school would harm other
children or disrupt learning.
For exclusions over 5 days but no more than 15 days in any
school year – you have a right to ask for a meeting of the school
governors’ Pupil Discipline Committee, where you can give your
views.
For exclusions over 15 days – the clerk to the Pupil Discipline
Committee will tell you that a meeting will be held. You and your
child will be invited. They must also send you the school’s report
about the exclusion before the meeting takes place. The school will
tell you about your right to see your child’s school record.
You have no right to appeal against fixed-term exclusion.
Permanent exclusion – (previously known as being expelled)
This is when a Headteacher writes to tell you that they have
decided your child will be taken off the school roll.
The school’s governing body is required to review the Headteacher’s
decision and you will be invited to explain your views on the
exclusion.
If the governing body confirms the exclusion, you can appeal to an
independent appeal panel organised by your local council.
The school must explain in a letter how to make an appeal.
Suffolk Children & Young People Service (CYP) (previously known
as Suffolk LEA) have made a commitment to provide your child with a
full time education after a permanent exclusion the area inclusion
co-ordinator should discuss your child’s options with you. They can
be contacted through the area offices below.
Southern Area – 01473 584776
Western Area – 01284 352121
Northern Area – 01502 405259
Who can I contact for help or advice?
The Suffolk Parent Partnership Service can offer support and
information for parents and carers on a dedicated Helpline number
01473 265210 or
through their website.
The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) is an independent
registered charity, which offers information about state education
in England and Wales for parents of school age children.
They offer free telephone advice on many subjects like exclusion
from school, bullying, special educational needs and school
admission appeals.
Advice Lines
General advice line (Mon-Fri 2-5pm) 0808 800 5793
Exclusion information line (24hr answer phone) 020 7704 9822
www.ace-ed.org.uk
The Department for Education and Skills published its latest
Guidance on Exclusion from Schools and Pupil Referral Units on-line
on 22 March
2004 http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/exclusion
The Parents Centre offers information on a wide range of topics
including exclusion.
www.parentscentre.gov.uk