School Exclusions

Exclusion or being excluded means that the child is not allowed to attend school. The Headteacher will usually tell the child's parent in writing how long the exclusion is for and the reasons for it. As long as the exclusion lasts, the child must not enter the school grounds or use school transport services. The child's parent is responsible for supervising the child during school time.

Fixed period exclusions

A school can exclude a pupil for a period of time if they get into serious trouble at school.

A child can be excluded if:

• they have seriously broken school rules
• allowing them to stay in school would seriously harm their education or welfare, or the education or welfare of other pupils

Permanent exclusions

Schools will only permanently exclude a child as a last resort. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where a headteacher may decide to permanently exclude a pupil for a 'one-off' offence.

If your child has been permanently excluded:

• the school's governing body is required to review the Headteacher's decision and the child's parent can meet with them to explain their views on the exclusion
• if the governing body confirms the exclusion, parents can appeal to an independent appeal panel organised by the local authority
• the school will explain in a letter how to lodge an appeal
• the local authority must provide full-time education from the sixth day of a permanent exclusion