Exclusions and behaviour
Sometimes a school will exclude a child, which means that they are not allowed to go to school. This can be a fixed-term exclusion or a permanent exclusion.
The law is clear about what schools must do to exclude a child.
What are exclusions?
An exclusion is when a school says that a child is not allowed to go to school.
Exclusions can be either:
A fixed-term exclusion
This is where a child is not allowed to go to school for a set amount of days – from half a day to a maximum of 45 days in one school year. This is what used to be called suspended.
A permanent exclusion
This is where a child is removed from the school roll (the official school register) and are not allowed to return. This is what used to be called expelled.
What schools must do
Alternatives to exclusions
Excluding a child should always be the last resort. There are different actions that schools can take, including:
Internal exclusions
Internal exclusions, often known as isolation, are where a child is removed from their normal lessons for a period of time and work in a space away from their class. Internal exclusions are not subject to the same rules as external exclusions.
Off-site provision
Schools have the power to direct a child to an off-site provision to improve their behaviour and to avoid exclusion.
A managed move
Where a child is at risk of exclusion, the school can also arrange a managed move to a new school to allow the child to have a fresh start.
If the difficulties your child are having may be due to their SEN, it’s important to make sure that any new school will be able to meet their needs.
A part-time timetable
Where appropriate to meet the needs of the child, schools can recommend the short term use of a part-time or reduced timetable. The parents of the child must agree to any part time timetable and this must not be treated as a permanent or long-term plan.
How parents are involved
If your child is having difficulties at school and their behaviour is causing concern, we would advise that you meet with the school at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss what the issues are and what additional support might be needed.
Independent Review Panel
If your child is permanently excluded, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed by an Independent Review Panel (IRP).
The IRP do not have the power to overturn an exclusion. Instead, they can help by recommending or instructing the school’s governing body to review their decision.
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Other sources of help and support:
Hertfordshire Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Visit the Local Offer →
Contact
A charity for families with disabled children offering information and advice.
Visit Contact →
HPCI
An independent parent carer organisation ensuring family voices are heard.
Visit the HPCI →
IPSEA
Independent information, advice and support, with free guides, resources and template letters.
Visit IPSEA →