What is an independent review panel?
If you do not agree with the decision of a governing board not to allow you to return to school, you can ask for an independent review panel to review the decision.
An independent review panel cannot tell a governing board what to do, but they can tell a governing board to reconsider its decision.
You can request the presence of an Special Educational Needs expert at an independent review meeting.
What is an SEN expert?
The SEN expert’s role is to advise the review panel about Special Educational Needs. They will make sure that the panel consider your special educational needs when thinking about whether you should be excluded.
The SEN expert will know about SEN law and for example, they may advise whether the school acted fairly in relation to its legal duties when excluding you.
We can support you at an independent review panel and we can talk you through what to do.
Also in this section:
Your Guide to Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions
Explaining the types of exclusion and advice and support around what you can do if you are suspended or permanently excluded.
What to do if you are given a permanent exclusion
A permanent exclusion is where you are told you cannot come back to the school. This is also called being expelled.