Permanent Exclusions

Department for Education Guidance Suspension and Permanent Exclusion from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England, including pupil movement Guidance for maintained schools, academies, and pupil referral units in England says:-

11. A permanent exclusion is when a pupil is no longer allowed to attend a school (unless the pupil is reinstated). The decision to exclude a pupil permanently should only be taken:
• in response to a serious breach or persistent breaches of the school's behaviour policy; and
• where allowing the pupil to remain in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others such as staff or pupils in the school.

 

13. The headteacher may cancel any exclusion that has already begun, but this should only be done where it has not yet been reviewed by the governing board.

 

Permanent exclusion should only be used as a last resort, in response to a serious breach, or persistent breaches, of the school’s Behaviour Policy, and where allowing the pupil to remain in school it would seriously harm the education, welfare of the pupil and others in the school.

Head teachers, when considering whether a permanent exclusion is an appropriate sanction, should take into account any contributing factors that are identified after an incident of poor behaviour has occurred. For example, where it comes to light that a pupil has suffered bereavement, has mental health issues or has been subject to bullying.

Speak to the head teacher as soon as you are told about the exclusion, (as this is not formally agreed until the governing body has considered the exclusion) 

• Schools must write to the parents/carers outlining the reason for the exclusion, the fact that it is permanent, parents right to make representations to the Governing Body, their right to attend the meeting and to bring a friend (can include electronic notification if parental permission given)
• For the first 5 days after the exclusion, school should send suitable work home. From day 6 onwards it is the local authority’s responsibility to provide suitable full time education. 
• Use the opportunity at the Governors Meeting to raise any questions or concerns that you (or your child/young person) have - What Can you do if you don't agree- 
• Look at our Governors meeting page in Advice on Preparing your representation – what to expect.

The Department for Education has updated the below guidance:  Behaviour in Schools Guidance 

 58. Schools should consider whether a pupil’s SEND has contributed to the misbehaviour and if so, whether it is appropriate and lawful to sanction the pupil. In considering this, schools should refer to the Equality Act 2010 and schools guidance.

59. The school should also consider whether any reasonable adjustments need to be made to the sanction in response to any disability the pupil may have. It is also important for the schools to seek to try and understand the underlying causes of behaviour and whether additional support is needed.