Exclusion is when a pupil is sent home from school for disciplinary reasons.
An exclusion can be for a fixed period (where a pupil is not allowed in a school for a specified number of days, or for part of the school day) or permanent (where the Headteacher has decided that a pupil should not continue at the school because of continued behaviour issues and/or if the behaviour puts other children at risk of being harmed).
Cognus’ School Exclusion Service offers advice and information to parents/carers of children and young people on all aspects of school exclusion. This includes advice on what you can do if you are concerned that your child is at risk of exclusion, how to prevent it, and what happens if a fixed-period or permanent exclusion is issued.
If a permanent exclusion is issued, the team will make the necessary arrangements, on behalf of Sutton Council and in partnership with the Limes College in Sutton, to offer suitable education from the 6th day of permanent exclusion.
Suspension FAQ
If your child is suspended from school, the head teacher must inform you without delay, usually by phone. The head teacher is also required to send you a letter telling you why your child has been suspended and for how long.
Schools can use fixed term suspension for a disciplinary breach in line with the school policies. A pupil may be suspended for one or more fixed periods (up to 45 school days in a single academic year). A suspension does not have to be for a continuous period.
Even though your child is not allowed on the school premises, they still should be receiving education. If no work has been sent home, contact the school and ask for some. Any work set should be accessible and achievable.
No, the issuing of suspensions is a serious matter, used by school only as a last resort and is recorded on the pupil school record.
No, it is unlawful just to send a child home to “cool off” even if parents or carers agree. All suspensions must follow the correct procedure and be recorded as suspensions. Any suspension of a pupil, even for short periods of time, must be formally recorded.
Parents have a number of rights:
1) If the suspension is for 5 days or less in a term the governing board must consider any representations made by parents, but it cannot direct reinstatement and is not required to arrange a meeting with parents.
2) If the suspension is for more than 5 days in a term you have the right to ask to meet with the Discipline Committee. The Governing Body must meet to consider reinstatement within 50 school days of receiving notification of the suspension and has the power to reinstate your child.
Permanent Exclusion FAQ
If your child is excluded from school, the head teacher must inform you without delay, usually by phone. The head teacher is also required to send you a letter telling you why your child has been excluded and what will happen next.
You should try and understand what has happened from the perspective of the school as well as from the perspective of your child. In the case of a permanent exclusion, a member of the Inclusion Team will contact you, usually by email, to explain the process and next steps as soon as possible. The Inclusion Coordinator will inform The Limes College, as the alternative provision, and they will contact you to arrange an admission meeting.
Yes, a pupil’s behaviour outside of school can be considered as grounds for exclusion. However, this should be in line with the school’s behaviour policy.
Even though your child is not allowed to return to school, they still should be receiving education. Work should be provided for the first 5 days of education. The Local Authority must arrange suitable full-time education to begin from the 6th day. During the first 5 days of exclusion, you are responsible for your child’s whereabouts. You may receive a penalty notice if your child is present in a public place during school hours without valid reason.
Parents have a number of rights:
1) Once notified of the exclusion, you will be invited to a meeting with the Governors panel and they have the power to reinstate your child.
2) Before any meeting of the Governors panel, you should receive a copy of any report or papers that are given to the panel at least 5 school days before the meeting. You can also send to the panel a written statement or any other evidence you wish to present. A member of the Local Authority may be present.
If you need support or guidance, or for more information, please contact the Inclusion Coordinators 020 8323 0450, or email exclusions@cognus.org.uk
More information on school exclusion can be found in the Department for Education (DfE) guidance.