Suspensions and permanent exclusions

Why a child is excluded from school.

A headteacher can suspend a pupil for a set number of days from school. A pupil could be suspended if:

  • they disrupt lessons
  • their behaviour is a threat to other pupils or staff
  • they break school rules

A school will consider what is the best course of action for a pupil with special educational needs, before excluding them.

What happens when my child is suspended?

The school will contact you on the same day about their decision to suspend your child. They will also write a letter that explains:

  • why they have suspended your child
  • how long they will be suspended for
  • who to contact about the decision
  • details of a meeting to discuss your child’s reintegration into school

Types of exclusion

There are 2 kinds of exclusion - suspensions and permanent exclusion.

Suspension

If your child is suspended, you will be asked by the school to keep your child at home for a set number of school days. This is a temporary removal from school in response to a breach of the school behaviour policy.

This cannot total more than 45 days in any one school year.

If your child has been suspended for more than one day their school will give them work to complete and return.

Meeting your child's school

For suspensions between 5 and 15 days you (not your child) can attend a pupil discipline committee meeting.

For exclusions lasting 15 days or more you and your child will be invited to a pupil discipline committee meeting. You can ask for a copy of the school's report on the suspension before the date of the meeting.

You cannot appeal against suspensions.

Permanent exclusion

Your child has been permanently removed from school following a serious breach of the school’s behaviour policy. This is a statutory process for removing a child from the roll of a school and is a decision made by the headteacher or principal. The school will notify us of the decision to permanently exclude your child and we will contact you.

Appealing the decision

The school's governing body will review the decision and you will be invited to discuss the permanent exclusion. If the governing body accepts the school's decision to exclude your child, you can appeal through your local council.

The letter sent by the school will explain how you can appeal.

Where can I go for more information and support?

For exclusion support, you can contact SENDIASS (the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service).