Exclusion of Pupils from Schools
Exclusion of Pupils from Schools
A school exclusion is a formal decision made by a headteacher when a child or young person is not allowed to attend school. Exclusion should only be used as a last resort. There are two types of exclusion: suspension (fixed-term exclusion) and permanent exclusion.
Suspension (fixed-term exclusion)
A suspension means the pupil is temporarily not allowed to attend school. A pupil may be suspended for up to 45 school days in one school year. For the first five school days of a suspension, the school must provide work for the pupil to complete at home. Where a suspension lasts for more than five school days, suitable full-time education must be arranged from the sixth school day. Schools are also expected to plan appropriate support to help the pupil return to school following a suspension. If there is disagreement with the suspension, the school will explain how representations can be made to the governing board.
Permanent exclusion
A permanent exclusion is issued where a pupil is no longer permitted to attend the school. Following a permanent exclusion, the school must notify parents, the governing board and the local authority without delay. Parents will be invited to a governing board review meeting to consider whether the exclusion should be upheld. If the governing board upholds the decision, there may be a right to request an Independent Review Panel (IRP). If parent wishes to appeal the decision of permanent exclusion, the form below shall be completed and submitted to: EEYService@cityoflondon.gov.uk. Following a permanent exclusion of a City of London pupil, the City of London will arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth school day.
Children with SEND and equality considerations
Schools must take particular care when considering exclusion for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or other identified vulnerabilities.
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must not discriminate against pupils on the basis of disability, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. For pupils with SEND, schools have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to policies, practices and behaviour approaches.
Where a child has SEND or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), schools should consider whether unmet need, lack of appropriate support or failure to make reasonable adjustments may have contributed to the behaviour. Exclusion should not be used as a response to needs that could be met through additional support.
If a City of London pupil with an EHCP is permanently excluded, the City of London will work with parents to ensure appropriate full-time education is arranged from the sixth school day.
Parents responsibilities during an exclusion
For the first five school days of an exclusion, parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that their child is not found in a public place during school hours unless there is a reasonable justification.
This applies to both suspensions and permanent exclusions.
Education during and after exclusion
The City of London works with schools, alternative provision and partner agencies to ensure that pupils who are excluded continue to receive suitable education. This may include access to alternative provision, planning to support reintegration following a suspension, targeted SEND support and review, and multi-agency planning where there are safeguarding concerns or additional vulnerabilities. The overall aim is to minimise disruption to education and support positive next steps for the pupil.
Getting advice and support
If a pupil has been excluded, or is considered to be at risk of exclusion, initial contact should be made with the school in the first instance. Advice and support can also be sought from the City of London Education and Early Years Service, and independent guidance may be available through national organisations that support parents and carers.
Further information click the links below: